Cessna is looking for Citation owners to volunteer their time, their aircraft and their money to join a massive airlift of Special Olympics athletes to the games that begin July 27 in Lincoln, Neb. Supported by Citation Owner Harrison Ford and Gold Medal Athlete Kyle Mezina, Chair and CEO Jack Pelton said this will be the sixth such airlift for the games, adding it continues to be one of the most moving events of his year.
Pelton said the last airlift included 235 Citations, known collectively by Air Traffic Control as the Dove flights, up substantially for the original airlift at about 120 aircraft. “This year we hope to have 300 aircraft participate carrying 2,000 athletes. Participants, who commit to roundtrip transportation, can register at airlift.cessna.com and will join Pelton and Ford as part of the Dove fleet.
Dove One will be Duncan Aviation, which is also the FBO for the event. Duncan Aviation was also the host for the Iowa Dove flight during the last Olympics. A Cessna dealer, it is set to get his first Mustang next week.
Airlift organizers are also looking for volunteers to provide ground handling service and past volunteers have included the employees from distributor and maintenance centers. In addition, FAA outfits a portable control tower at the airport.
Ford said it took him only a few seconds to decide to participate. “I’ve been a customer for 15 years and friend [to Pelton] and when Jack calls you are lucky if he is not trying to sell you another aircraft,” he said. “He’s been very successful with me and I’m still waiting for the delivery of my latest.”
“Well, we’re waiting on the deposits,” countered Pelton in their good-natured kibitzing.
“All kidding aside, this is a remarkable organization and I’m looking forward to flying in the airlift,” said Ford. “Jack and I are also involved in the Young Eagle program at the Experimental Aircraft Association. This is another good opportunity for me to support Cessna’s community mindedness.”
Mezina spoke passionately about the impact of the games on his life, having been an athlete for 13 years. He has competed in eight different sports and has since risen beyond athlete status and is just finishing up his coach training. Golf and basketball are his favorite sports. “Transportation is the biggest barrier for competitors,” he said.
Selection for athletes who can take advantage of the airlift is handled by the local Special Olympics chapter.