Traveling with our PA twins has really not been much of an option for us unless it’s a 3-4 hour drive at most. They are easily car sick and long road trips just don’t work. Both boys are autistic and easily frightened, not to mention bothered by loud sounds, so we have been scared to attempt flying with them.

Lately however, the twins had started watching airplane related videos and cartoons on YouTube and wanted to go on a plane. Cartoons don’t really represent the sound of a plane engine very well and we were still apprehensive about attempting a flight with them, even though they were asking us to go every single day.

I mentioned their desire to fly to their OT and she told us about Challenge Air (challengeair.com).

Challenge Air is entirely designed around giving children with special needs and or disabilities not only the chance to ride in a small plane, but to actually fly it! They have one fly day per month in different cities and apart from the flying, there are a bunch of activities for the kids like painting, crafts, clowns, as well as food and drinks.

We went to a fly day in Dallas and the boys had such an amazing experience. One of my twins who hardly speaks, was actually singing the whole time he was on the plane.

I really want to thank all those volunteers and pilots who so generously give their time to allow children with special needs and disabilities to have an experience of a lifetime. Thanks Challenge Air!

Sana – mom to twin Propionic Acidemia boys