Pilot For A Day

Pilot For A Day focuses on children that have been stricken with illnesses that have taken over their lives. These children usually end up spending more time in the hospital than they do with their family and friends. Trying to ease the pain of losing a childhood, due to what many would say is an unfair deal in the game of life, is the purpose of the program.

The "typical" day begins with the child traveling to NAS Corpus Christi and meeting with their host pilot, who then outfits the child with a flight suit. Afterwards, the child receives a tour of the squadron, where the young "pilots" are given their wings.

Squadron patches, a flight cap and a scarf are the next items to adorn the uniform, which always seem to add another smile to the lives of these children. The "pilot" then is taken through many static displays of aircraft, where they are shown around and allowed to sit in the cockpit. Additionally the child is given a ride in the flight simulator, has the opportunity to visit the Crash Crew, the Air Traffic Control Tower, and talk on the radio with pilots in the air.

This program focuses on children that have been stricken with illnesses that have taken over their lives. These children usually end up spending more time in the hospital than they do with their family and friends. Trying to ease the pain of losing a childhood, due to what many would say is an unfair deal in the game of life, is the purpose of the program.

The "typical" day begins with the child traveling to NAS Corpus Christi and meeting with their host pilot, who then outfits the child with a flight suit. Afterwards, the child receives a tour of the squadron, where the young "pilots" are given their wings. Squadron patches, a flight cap and a scarf are the next items to adorn the uniform, which always seem to add another smile to the lives of these children. The "pilot" then is taken through many static displays of aircraft, where they are shown around and allowed to sit in the cockpit. Additionally the child is given a ride in the flight simulator, has the opportunity to visit the Crash Crew, the Air Traffic Control Tower, and talk on the radio with pilots in the air.

The goal of this program is really just for the child to have a wonderful day, and take his or her mind off of the illness. The staff at Driscoll Children's Hospital try their best to make this a day that will not only make the children feel very special on that day, but make them feel special and happy for a long time!

Pilot For A Day

For Patients and Parents

Additional Resources