Business Jet Center Hosts Challenge Air Fly Days

Nov. 8, 2012
104 Special Needs Children Given Private Flights

Business Jet Center (BJC), a leading provider of Fixed Base Operation (FBO) services, hosted Fly Days, a one-day event for special needs children and youth provided by Challenger Air, a non-profit organization.

      During the event held November 3rd, 104 special needs children were given flights in both single and multi-engine aircraft provided by volunteer pilots from the Dallas and Fort Worth, TX area. In total, more than 200 Challenge Air volunteers, including 26 pilots, conducted over 100 flights utilizing 24 aircraft staged on the flight line at Business Jet Center,

      According to Challenge Air Executive Director April Culver, nearly 1,200 special needs children are flown each year during Fly Day events hosted in 10 different cities throughout the US. Culver said many non-profit agencies are involved in each event and provide various activities including a reptile petting zoo, face painting and arts and crafts projects.

      Business Jet Center, besides hosting the event, provided fuel at cost and arranged for the appearance of Brek Shea, one of the star players for FC Dallas of the MLS professional soccer league. Shea is also an artist,  www.leftfootstudio.com, and shared his talents in a painting activity with special needs children and their siblings. 

About Challenge Air

The mission of Challenge Air is to build self-esteem and confidence of children and youth with special needs through the experience of flight. Headquartered in Dallas, TX, Challenge Air coordinates a nationwide network of nearly 3,500 volunteers who serve as pilots, ground crew, fundraisers and planning committee members. Annually, Challenge Air provides free flights to nearly 1,200 children and youth will special needs during Fly Days at 10 different locations throughout the US. For more information call 214-351-3353 or go to www.challengeair.org.