Take Flight for Kids

Reid Airport, in San Jose, CA, is a small private airport which I’d passed often, yet never had a reason to stop in until recently. Colleen and I joined other photographers to volunteer at a special Take Flight for Kids event, in which over 100 disabled children, along with their families, were given the chance to take a flight on a small airplane. For many, this was the first time they had been in, or even near, a plane.

This was a great filled with an amazing spirit of cooperation as the pilots, air traffic controllers, photographers, escorts to and from the plane, and many others working the even were all volunteers. Although I am not permitted to share names of the children who took part, I am able to share some photos of the children and their families who consented to having their images displayed publicly.

In this shot, the determined look of the boy makes it look like getting into planes is almost routine for him.

The children were even permitted to take command of the steering wheel, at least with the plane on the ground.

Upon arriving back at the airport, children were given big hugs for their bravery.

It was wonderful having the chance to interact with Colleen and newly made friends. We were allowed to work together all day both escorting passengers on and off planes, and helping capture the moments with cameras. Here’s one last one of Colleen on the wing prior to take off.