Bozeman, Montana: Summit Aviation and Eagle Mount are proud to announce an exciting new partnership to bring the thrill of flying to young cancer survivors. This new program is flying into reality in August thanks to the lofty vision of Ben Walton, Owner of Summit Aviation, and the heart of the Eagle Mount organization which has been providing adventure programs to people with disabilities and young people with cancer since 1982.
Eagle Mount has agreed to partner with Summit Aviation to introduce this exhilarating “Pilot Program” for young adults who are past participants of their outdoor programs such as horseback riding, rock climbing, kayaking, cycling, and fishing. The 5-day Pilot Program, August 25th – 29th, is about truly learning to fly; combining the highly-skilled handling of an aircraft from take-off to landing, and the pure joy of soaring like an eagle in and around the beautiful terrain of the Gallatin Valley. Summit Aviation has been built one student at a time since 2001 earning it a rock-solid reputation and national awards for excellence in flight training, with an impeccable safety record.
A long-time dream of Ben Walton has been to transform lives for the challenged somehow through Aviation, and this partnership marks the beginning of a ground-breaking venture between two organizations known for great care and competence in training and mentoring all ages. Ben shares, “we are excited and honored to partner with Eagle Mount, their passion for improving lives has been truly inspirational!” This transformational Aviators Camp will bring together a hand-picked group of four young adults who will derive maximum benefit from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, hopefully creating Aviators for life. “My dream is to provide these cancer fighters with an avenue to start a new chapter, learn new skills, connect with others and gain confidence, and most importantly – create hope,” Ben states speaking from experience with cancer stories in his own life.
Donations are the backbones of programs such as this one giving communities, businesses, and individuals the chance to contribute to a local cause that is close to hearts, and even families perhaps. Mary Peterson, a spokesperson for Eagle Mount states, “We are so grateful to have Casey’s Fund for Big Sky Kids, benefiting young adults and making this program possible from our end. What a great partnership!” Summit Aviation will start the search immediately for donors/sponsors for each young adult to send them through their week-long flight training adventure program. Summit’s Certified Flight Instructors will be donating their time and care to teach ground and flight instruction to these lucky youngsters throughout the entire camp.
In 2001, Summit Aviation, Inc. began humbly: One very experienced mountain flying Pilot – Ben Walton, one aircraft, and one small hangar. Today, with a fleet of state-of-the-art Diamond Aircraft, an impeccable safety record, and a full staff of highly-qualified Instructors, Summit Aviation has evolved into the West’s Benchmark award-winning Flight School and exclusive training facility for the Montana State University Aviation Degree Program, and provider of private on-demand Aircraft Charter.
