Meet Challenge Air's Founder
Rick invited a small group of physically challenged children to the Addison Airport, a suburb of
Dallas, to take them soaring over the city’s famous skyline. After experiencing their attitude change
about their disability to see a pilot in a wheelchair fly an airplane, the idea of Challenge Air was
born.
Our Founder – Rick Amber June 17, 1944 – May 3, 1997
Rick Amber founded Challenge Air in 1993 after overcoming his disability through several activities. He became a quadriplegic in 1971 when his jet crashed during a landing attempt on a naval aircraft carrier.
After competing in and winning the U.S. Open National Wheelchair Tennis Championship, he wanted to use his accomplishments to encourage children to overcome their own disabilities. That’s when Amber decided to get back to his true passion – flying.
The idea of Challenge Air took off after Amber invited a group of physically challenged children on a flight over the Addison skyline. He realized that overcoming his disability helped the kids change their perception about disability.
The only person that is limited is one with a limited mind. Once that barrier is broken, one’s true potential can be reached. Amber passed away in 1997 after battling cancer, but his legacy and impact live on through Challenge Air.
"The human spirit prevails over any physical or mental obstacle. After a day with Challenge Air, no height seems unreachable…all it takes is desire and truly, the sky is the limit!" – Rick Amber
