Flying Matters: Flight1

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Flight1 empowers children by using airplane piloting, beginning with simulator sessions and progressing to actual flights with certified instructors, to build self-assurance and determination.
  • The program is a three-year initiative that provides one-to-one instruction, teaching kids aviation fundamentals, plane components, and essential preflight checks.
  • Participants receive Flight1 wings upon entry and certificates after flights, with opportunities to sign a logbook, recognizing their achievements.
  • Flight1 offers ongoing support through flight-related activities, tours of aviation facilities, and partnerships to keep children engaged and further their aviation exposure.
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Flight1 shows how piloting airplanes gives kids the self-assurance to navigate life.

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Courageous Fliers usually start with a simulator session. It’s tough to impress tech-savvy kids but this seems to do the trick.
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The simulator can be a little intimidating at first. Flight1 founder Marcus Strawhorn explains what to expect.
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Determination leaves no place for anxiety once the flying starts!
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After their simulator session, Courageous Fliers receive Flight1 wings recognizing their entry into the three-year program.
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Soon the Courageous Flier goes aloft and is invited to take the controls under the guidance of a Certified Flight Instructor.
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The children learn how planes fly and what the different components do. Flight1’s focus is always on one-to-one interaction.
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Our volunteer CFIs explain to each Courageous Flier why a thorough preflight check is always a must.
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One final briefing and then it’s time to fly!
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“Clear prop!” This Courageous Flier is a natural. Her late father was a UPS captain and her mother is also a licensed pilot.
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Back on the ground, it’s time to sign the logbook.
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Courageous Fliers receive a certificate of recognition. This young lady’s flight suit was a gift from her father’s Air Force buddies.
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Flight1 continues to support Courageous Fliers with ongoing flight-related activities like the Indianapolis Air Show. (Photo by Marcus Strawhorn)
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Courageous Fliers check out the cockpit of a retired FedEx 727 during their recent tour of Purdue University’s aviation facilities. (Photo by Marcus Strawhorn)
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Flight1 also partners with organizations like the National Kidney Foundation. This hot air balloon wowed the kids at Kidney Camp 2013.

FLYING Staff

FLYING Magazine is a one-stop resource for everything aviation, including news, training, aircraft, gear, careers, photos, videos, and more.

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