A Transition to the Sky program that will prepare people with special needs and their families for future commercial air travel will be held this Saturday, February 8th at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus. A program offered by the Aerospace Center for Excellence, participants learn to overcome obstacles of flying in a fun and supportive way.
The City of Altamonte Springs is sponsoring this opportunity for 60 of their special needs residents and their families to prepare for an experience that is commonplace for most. Transition to the Sky is a complimentary program offered throughout the year and by special request.
Working with industry partners including the Lakeland Linder International Airport and the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), Transition to the Sky allows for vital acclimation, repetition, and supervision during a commercial airport and passenger flight simulation.
“The program participants especially like sitting in our Piedmont 727 aircraft that is a fully-functioning airplane located on our campus” says Richele Floyd, Director of Scholarships and creator of this program for ACE. “Many take selfies with the Captain at the conclusion of our program because of their new-found confidence.” Experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells associated with commercial air travel is extremely beneficial to those with special needs of all ages. It untethers them and their caretakers to be able to take trips to visit family or vacation in a new destination.”
Transition to the Sky is a real-world experience of routine passenger tasks including:
· Airport Arrival
· Check-in and Ticketing
· Security Screening
· Gate and Departure Lounge
· In-Flight Simulation.
· Baggage Claim
Parents and caretakers of children or adults with special needs often face difficulties as a result of balancing the needs of their child or adult with the common stresses of an airport. To make the travel experience as enjoyable as possible, preparation is key. Transition to the Sky will create confident, comfortable, and acclimated individuals that are ready for future air travel.