Oct. 31, 2014
On Nov. 8, Arizona’s Scottsdale Airport (SDL) will host a fun-filled day of flights, food and festivities for an expected 150 children, who all have physical or mental disabilities, or serious illnesses.
“It’s a very special day and a great event,” said Ken Casey, chairman of the Scottsdale SkyKids day, and vice president of the Arizona Business Aviation Association (AZBAA), the primary sponsor of the event. “It’s very exciting for the kids to go out and fly. For many of them, it’s their first exposure to aviation.”
The goal of the SkyKids event, which has been held at other Arizona airports in the past, is to build self-esteem and confidence for special-needs kids through flight.
According to Casey, people in the general aviation community in the Phoenix area have donated generously of their time and money to help make the day a success. NBAA Western Regional Representative Stacy Howard said that the Association is also helping to sponsor the non-profit, volunteer-run SkyKids event.
“We are pleased to help support the efforts of all those involved in this very worthwhile endeavor,” said Howard.
“We have plenty of pilots and aircraft,” said Casey, noting that the children and a family member or friend will be given rides in aircraft ranging from Cessna 172s to a Citation Mustang, twin-engine turboprops, a vintage Boeing DC-3 and helicopters. Many members of AZBAA are volunteering their time to make the event a success.
Previous SkyKids events have been held at Phoenix Goodyear Airport (GYR), but Casey hopes that this event will be become an annual happening at Scottsdale. “This is a great way for business aviation to come together and make a difference in the lives of these kids,” said Casey.
For more information, contact Casey at kc@pinnacleaviation.com or (480) 695-4660.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.