As of June we have exceeded our fundraising goal! An enormous thank you to the many generous donors who made this happen.
Giving Kids Wings will match the first $1,500. This means $3,000 of assistance toward Elijah's solo training.
Donations above and beyond the original $1,500 goal will be put on account to help finance Elijah's pursuit of his Private Pilot Glider Certificate, after he has completed his solo.
Thank you again to everyone who has shown their support for Elijah!
We are happy to welcome Elijah B to our 2023 Summer Glider Camp!
Elijah is a junior at Brainerd High School’s Institute of Aviation, and will join us for three weekends in July to receive glider training and hopefully achieve his first solo flight!
In Elijah's words:
My interest in becoming a pilot was sparked in the E-lab of Rivermont, my elementary school. We were talking about how flight works while experimenting with a wind tunnel, and I was captivated by the idea of flying one day.
This dream has motivated me to work hard in my classes to achieve this goal. I passed a college final to get dual credit for my aviation class in my freshmen year, making me one of only two freshmen from our high school ever to do so. In Brainerd’s aviation program, I’ve been able to study aerodynamics, aviation history, weather, and airspace, as well as doing a lot of hands-on work.
In the aviation institute, I have flown planes in our simulator (which is very fun!). I have also flown different types of drones in Drone Club, and using my skills I’ve filmed school sports events and even raced drones to victory in aerobatics. I’m currently taking a drone class to become a part 107 (commercial certified) drone pilot. Every few days we go outside to fly drones and remote control airplanes. That’s much harder than I thought it would be, but I know none of it will compare to being able to actually fly a manned glider by myself, with the help of Giving Kids Wings Flight Academy and the instructors.
Flying gliders is the first step toward my dream of becoming a commercial pilot.
I am excited to attend Giving Kids Wings’ summer glider camp, have the chance to fly a glider, and begin to learn everything it takes to become a pilot in the real world.
I will be very grateful for any support you can offer me to make my dream into a reality!
Help Elijah cover the costs of his glider education as he takes a bold step toward his aviation goals and pilots his personal journey of hope, dedication, and empowerment!
