Ready for takeoff: Challenge Air returns to Fort Worth after 10 years

Published on April 19, 2023

It’s been 10 years since the City of Fort Worth has hosted a Fort Worth Fly Day at Meacham International Airport. The event is for special-needs children in the community.

Why it matters: Since 1993, Challenge Air has been committed to making a difference in the lives of children with special needs through the gift of flight. With a network of 3,500 volunteers nationwide, Fly Days have continued to grow.

What’s next: Fly Day

• When: Saturday, April 22, at 8 a.m.
• Where: Vintage Flight Museum at Meacham Field, 505 N.W. 38th St., Hangar 22 South)

Challenge Air’s program goals are aimed toward children/youth with special needs and their families and include:

• Improve quality of life.
• Arouse excitement about learning and get inspired about their future.
• Provide an education about the aviation industry and encourage them to consider occupational roles.
• Involve and provide civic and community engagement.
• Create an environment for peer interaction.
• Promote local organizational resources.

The bottom line: Fly Day includes about 25 volunteer pilots and over 100 community volunteers who provide the gift of flight for over 50 special-needs children and their families at no cost to them. The goal is for the child to understand that “If they can fly a plane, they can do anything!”

Challenge Air has made a difference in the lives of over 36,000 children/youth with special needs. The City of Fort Worth Aviation Department is committed to helping make this a special event for the community.

Photo: Meacham International Airport and Fort Worth’s Aviation Department will host special-needs children and their families on Saturday for Fly Day.

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