Program Allows Special Needs Children The Chance To Fly

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - The dream of a Vietnam veteran took to the skies at Centennial Airport as special needs children and their families got a chance to fly.

The opportunity came courtesy of the Challenge Air Program founded by injured vet Rick Amber.

Pilots donated their planes, time and money to give about 100 children and young adults a chance to take the controls of small planes.

"To get them out and fly, and the excitement that they show, and it's exciting for us as pilots; it's exciting for the families and it's really a lot of fun to watch for what they experience for maybe the first time of their lives. ," Challenge Air pilot Mark Van Tine said.

"It was kind of scary at first, but when the driver took over I was more comfortable," Challenge Air participant Parker Teff said. "But when I got to fly I was kind of scared."

The idea is to make sure the children know they can overcome any challenge in their lives.