Dear Friends,

Sorry for such a long silence, but this historic venture really took a toll on me. It was very challenging to readjust to the changing time zones as I made my way home and it was difficult to eat and sleep for days afterward. The moment I landed in Miami, it was as if my body immediately knew the journey was over. I felt exhausted and weak but was happy to see my friends and family and the tremendous media coverage of the trip. For me, the venture was more than just making history—it was making an impact on today’s youth.  After putting it all on the line for 97 days, I hope I’ve impacted the next great pioneers in aviation.

I am grateful and humbled by the love and support from all of you who sent messages of encouragement as I made my way around the globe. There were many times when I felt tired, frustrated, and weak, but your words of encouragement helped to fuel my dream. Words can never express how vital your encouragement has been for me.

Although the flight is over, the journey for Experience Aviation has just begun to show its potential to educate and inspire thousands of youth. When I departed Miami, we had only three people on staff and now many others have approached us to join the team. We’ve expanded our facility to 3,000 square feet and thanks to the Children’s Trust, we are preparing to launch our educational courses during after-school programs. Our challenge now is to raise the funds needed to expand our staff and the Experience Aviation Learning Center facility so we can accommodate more students and eventually enhance community outreach nationwide. 

No man is an island and no man stands alone. Just as I successfully completed my historic journey—with persistence and dedication—I will continue to try and make a difference in the lives of today’s youth. My life has changed considerably in the past several months but I continue to keep my focus on the future of Experience Aviation.  Since my return, my team and I have been working on a book, documentary and my next great adventure. I have also been speaking to students and corporate groups around the country, encouraging audiences to aim high and pursue their wildest dreams.

I appreciate your patience and your continuing support of Experience Aviation. We utilized the few dollars we had at the beginning to make a dynamic impression on students and I look forward to making an even greater impact in the future. I encourage you all to join the Experience Aviation team and thank you once again for daring to DREAM, LIVE, & FLY!!!