This week, Lincoln, Nebraska, is hosting the Special Olympics USA National Games. They will feature more than 3,000 athletes from all over America, athletes who have faced difficult challenges on their road to these games. But, one challenge these stars won't need to worry about is getting to the games and getting home.
That's because Cessna, with the support of our Federal Aviation Administration, is sponsoring the sixth Special Olympics airlift. And this year's Honorary Chairman of the Cessna Airlift is actor and pilot Harrison Ford.
The first part of this airlift--last Saturday--went off without a hitch. About every two minutes for more than ten straight hours, a Cessna Citation business jet carrying Special Olympics athletes from 28 different states touched down at Lincoln Municipal Airport. At the end of the day, these volunteer pilots had flown in more than 800 athletes.
And, for this ten-hour period, with 165 business jets landing, Lincoln was the world's busiest airport.
Now, that kind of sustained flurry of activity needs more than just pilots. It requires two years of preparation. It requires 165 donated airplanes and the fuel to fly them. It requires volunteers to help athletes get from the planes to the terminal.
And, it requires a special temporary, mobile control tower. That's where the FAA comes in.
The FAA also provided extra staffing in the main air traffic control tower, plus the staff manning the mobile tower--dubbed "Dove Control" for the "Dove" call sign being used by the airlift planes.
It all adds up to the world's largest peacetime airlift, and I am truly proud of the FAA's participation in this terrific event.
I wish the many athletes competing this week great success, and I thank the 8,000 volunteers, the 1,000 coaches, and the 15,000 supportive family members and friends for making these games possible.
And next Saturday, when the games have ended, I hope all the pilots and controllers of the massive airlift out of Lincoln enjoy another safe and smooth day.
Wow, what a touching story!!
I just realized - me and everyone else (almost)has flown in a jet airplane.
But it is the very elite few who have flown in a "business jet".
It's like comparing a bus to a Ferrari...
Ok, so I'm a bit jealous - but so happy for our special athletes. I'm sure it was a life changing event for them.
Posted by: Gene Gill | July 25, 2010 at 03:38 PM
Special Olympics is a very special program and thanks to all those who make it possible at FAA, Cessna, and all the volunteers across the country. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.
Posted by: Michael E. Bailey | July 26, 2010 at 01:01 AM
What a Great Story! I admire all those in Special Olympics, seeing many new up and coming athletes here in Colorado during the Winter Ski months. Having more abilities than I with all of my limbs. Thanks for posting article!
Posted by: Cal, Denver Painting Contractor | August 11, 2010 at 02:13 AM
Glad to hear that the step has been taken by FAA
Posted by: Free iPad | September 14, 2010 at 02:02 AM