Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Able Flight officially launched the Campaign for Able Flight at SIU on May 6 with a successful giving day celebrating the organization’s 20th anniversary of transforming lives through aviation. 

The one-day campaign raised $95,050 from 70 donors, helping launch a broader $2 million effort to establish the Charles H. Stites Able Flight at SIU Endowment Fund. The endowment will create permanent support for scholarships, adaptive flight training and program operations as SIU becomes the permanent home of Able Flight. 

Founded in 2006, Able Flight is the only nonprofit of its kind in the United States, providing individuals with physical disabilities the opportunity to become licensed pilots. The program has helped more than 100 participants earn pilot certification, with additional students currently in training. 

SIU and Able Flight have worked over the past two years to transition the program to SIU Aviation. With that move, SIU strengthens its leadership in accessibility, innovation and flight education while expanding opportunities for students and participants alike. 

The endowment campaign has already secured more than $295,000 toward its $2 million goal. Leaders say reaching that goal will fully support Able Flight at SIU well into the future. 

“The success of the Able Flight 20th Anniversary fundraising campaign is evidence once again of how strongly our supporters believe in this mission and how willing they are to help build the Able Flight at SIU endowment fund,” said Charles H. Stites, Able Flight executive director. “For two decades, aviation has empowered people to challenge themselves in extraordinary ways, and this campaign helps ensure that mission continues far into the future.” 

Stites said the campaign builds on significant initial funding already committed by Able Flight, with additional contributions expected later this year. 

“We are off to a great start,” Stites said. “But as strong a beginning as we have had, the work is far from done, and I look forward to the SIU Foundation building upon and fulfilling this effort.” 

Participants in the program complete intensive training in specially adapted aircraft, building skills that translate beyond aviation. 

Brandi Fields, a trauma nurse from Kansas City, Missouri, trained with Able Flight after a spinal injury shifted the trajectory of her career but not her determination to pursue new opportunities. 

“There are a lot of transferable skills,” Fields said. “You’re assessing the weather and making sure everything is correct with your airplane. In nursing, assessing is one of the biggest parts of what we do. You always have to think on your feet.” 

Ronny Ahmed of Tallahassee, Florida, was paralyzed from the waist down following a 2014 shooting at Florida State University. He said Able Flight represents a level of independence he had not experienced since his injury. 

“I think it’s a sense of freedom,” Ahmed said. “There are so many restrictions when you’re in a wheelchair. This is a truly unique experience.” 

The training program, hosted by SIU Aviation, typically lasts up to eight weeks and culminates in check rides required for certification. Students train in adaptive light sport aircraft designed to meet a range of physical needs. 

In addition to preparing participants for aviation careers, the program introduces many students to SIU’s broader academic opportunities, creating pathways to enrollment and long-term success. 

Gifts to the campaign can be pledged over five years, with opportunities to support scholarships, aircraft and named endowment levels. 

To learn more about Able Flight, visit ableflight.org.