Able Flight’s mission is to offer people with disabilities a unique way to challenge themselves through flight training, and by doing so, to gain greater self-confidence and self-reliance.

Able Flight was created by pilots who believe that the life-changing experience of learning to fly is best shared, and designed the Able Flight Scholarships to enable people with disabilities to pursue that experience.

The Able Flight Board of Directors includes a flight instructor, an Aviation Medical Examiner, a pilot who has provided thousands of free flights to young people, and a veteran who flies his own plane with the aid of a prosthetic device.

Able Flight is incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, and is supported by the generous donations and sponsorships of individuals, foundations and corporations.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Charles H. Stites.

Charles served as the Manager of Temser, Inc., a nonprofit transitional employment corporation based in NC. He later served as a Senior Projects Manager for GTE (later Verizon) in their media production division. He was the national volunteer coordinator and NC Flag Bearer for the EAA’s 50 Flags to Kitty Hawk project in 2003, and has been a writer/photographer for a number of U.S. and European aviation publications. Charles founded Able Flight in 2006 and is responsible for its operations. Charles is a licensed pilot.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Robert Epting

Bob is an attorney and a pilot with an extensive background in charitable aviation activities,. He has flown over 2100 Young Eagles missions, and having organized a project offering a flight experience for children who are, or have been patients at the NC Memorial Hospital Burn Treatment Center.

Jon Kuniholm

Jon is a Marine Corps Captain who was wounded in Iraq in 2005, losing his right arm from beneath the elbow. Just prior to his deployment to Iraq, he had earned his private pilot certificate. Since his injury, he has regained medical privileges and flies with the aid of a prosthetic arm.

Steve Merritt

Steve is a Projects Manager at the North Carolina Division of Aviation, an FAA Aviation Safety Counselor and a flight instructor. As a flight instructor, Steve coordinates and monitors the training programs at Able Flight's selected flight schools in order to accommodate the special training needs of selected students.

Al Mooney, MD

Al is an FAA Certified Aviation Medical Examiner and flight instructor. He serves as Able Flight liaison ro the FAA Aeromedical Certification Branch concerning medical issues, and advises Able Flight on applicant medical issues.

ADVISORY BOARD

Jeff Morgan

Prior to launching Key Assignments Group in 2002, Jeff served with Bank of America, Verizon Communications and GTE Corporation. Over the past 25 years, he has acquired a wide range of knowledge and skills in community relations, government affairs, media relations, employee communications, charitable giving, brand management and nonprofit management.

Sean O’Donnell

Sean is an Able Flight scholarship award winner, and the second recipient to earn a pilot’s certificate. He is Director of Distance Learning Education at Villanova University, and the founder of Philly Sport Pilot, a training facility for Sport Pilots, including people with disabilities.

Kevin Rodgers

Kevin serves as VP Sales ACASSUSA. Prior to ACASS he served as Director of Sales for Jet Aviation Business Jets Southeast, and served as Vice President of Operations for Bombardier Charter Division. Member National Business Aircraft Association, the Georgia Business Aircraft Association and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Licensed pilot and certificated Aircraft Dispatcher.

Bob Seidel

Bob Seidel serves as Senior Vice President/General Manager of Jet Aviation's U.S. Charter Services. In 2006 he became General Manager of Jet Aviation Business Jets, Inc. Prior to joining Jet Aviation, Bob served as a Regional Sales Director for Gulfstream Aerospace and Galaxy Aerospace. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and holds a master's degree in Business Management from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University. He began his career in aviation as a Naval Flight Officer operating P3 Anti-Submarine Aircraft in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Julia Spicer

Julia is the Executive Director of Mid-Atlantic Venture Association (MAVA), and previously served as Vice-President at Columbia Capital and Vice-President of GTE Corporation where she managed philanthropic efforts, including those of the GTE Corporate Foundation. Julia is a licensed pilot.

Robert Stangarone

Robert Stangarone is vice presidentof Corporate Communications for Cessna Aircraft Company, the leading worldwide manufacturer of general aviation aircraft. He is responsible for Cessna's internal and external communications, as well as community affairs. He also serves as chairman of Cessna’s Environmental Strategy Council.

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