On Friday, 12 September, the six children, between the ages of nine and 15 years, had the opportunity to go for a ride in the Comair simulators at the Comair Training Centre in Rhodesfield, and experience what it's like to fly an aircraft.
The Comair flight simulators recreate an actual aircraft flight experience and are used for pilot training. The boys had the opportunity to sit next to Comair's Ground School Technical Instructor, Theo Stein, in the simulator and virtually take off, steer and land the plane.
Stein says: "Seeing the excitement in the eyes of these young dreamers was such a heart-warming experience. Just judging by the energy and excitement they exuded during and after the experience, it appeared that they were really able to forget about the hospital, their life-threatening disease and just have fun, even if just for a short while. Comair endeavours to improve the lives of fellow South Africans and those less fortunate, and we are delighted that we were part of this experience and able to make it happen for them."
The Reach For A Dream Foundation brings hope, joy and healing to South African children between the ages of three and 18 years who are fighting life-threatening illnesses such as cancer and leukaemia, cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy, kidney failure and blood disorders. The Foundation's national projects are aimed at motivating young dreamers to believe in their dreams and raising their confidence and self-esteem through group activities. Captain Courage is one of the RFAD's national initiatives. It is an exclusive 'boys only' project aimed at exposing the boys to a new environment through adventurous, courageous activities.
Says Natalie Lazaris from the Reach For A Dream Foundation: "Comair was the ideal partner for our Captain Courage initiative as it is every little boy's dream to meet a pilot and fly an aircraft. Spending time in the simulators allowed these six dream children to experience a day out of the hospital, away from the needles and doctors, and to have a bit of boyish fun while realising their strengths."
ISTAT strive to support humanitarian causes that are designed to help save lives, promote human welfare and alleviate suffering. This is accomplished by utilising and leveraging the collective strength of relationships and partnerships within the aviation industry and directing Foundation funds to worthy projects such as Captain Courage.
Wouter du Preez, ISTAT Foundation Humanitarian Committee member representing Africa says, "When the idea for this project was brought forward to RFAD and Comair, ISTAT realised that we could add invaluable joy to the lives of young children with life threatening diseases interested in aviation. We are truly proud to be part of this worthy cause and event, and knowing that these boys will never forget such a unique aviation experience brings joy to all at ISTAT!"
