Lifting Children Up For More Than 30 Years
Wright Flight, Inc., named after the Wright Brothers, is a unique program that began in Tucson in 1986. Wright Flight was founded by Lt. Col. Robin Stoddard, USAF (ret.) who, at the time, was an Air Force Fighter pilot.
Wright Flight reflects real life. It’s not your “normal” non-profit organization. Nor is it like a team where everybody gets a trophy. Kids learn you have to earn the right to graduate. If you don’t work hard, you won’t get off the ground.
Our Mission
The foundations for a successful life begin in childhood. Unfortunately, many Arizona students do not have the benefit of positive mentors and experiences to guide them through life’s inevitable challenges. Wright Flight looks to help students who have problems of low achievement scores, school discipline, school drop-outs and substance abuse by leveraging the compelling, motivational and inspirational aspects of the history of aviation and aerospace.
Wright Flight has been serving our community since 1986. Watch the video above to see how we got started!
The foundations for a successful life begin in childhood. Unfortunately, many Arizona students do not have the benefit of positive mentors and experiences to guide them through life’s inevitable challenges. Wright Flight looks to help students who have problems of low achievement scores, school discipline, school drop-outs and substance abuse by leveraging the compelling, motivational and inspirational aspects of the history of aviation and aerospace.
How We Help
Wright Flight helps children gain essential life skills for overcoming adversity and achieving goals by partnering with teachers and schools (public, private, charter, and home) to give children the opportunity to set and achieve goals to earn the right to fly an airplane.
What Students Gain
We introduce Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers to students as young as eleven years old. The outcomes for program graduates include better grades, better attitudes at school and home, increased self-confidence and a success mentality.
"It is possible to fly without motors,
but not without knowledge and skill."
- Wilbur Wright
Meet The Team
ADMINISTRATIVE
Wright Flight’s leadership group is responsible for the day to day running of the organization, including fundraising our annual operating funds and staffing the office.
Lt. Col. Robin Stoddard, USAF (ret.)
Founder
Executive Director
Beth Spikes
Office Administrator
School Coordinator
GROUND OPERATIONS
The ground operations team works with pilots, staff, students, and families to ensure a safe, successful and rewarding day.
Debbie Kellermeyer
Volunteer Coordinator
Lora Wineinger
Fly Day Coordinator
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
Jack King
Pilot / Marana Site Lead
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Remco Perton
Co-Pilot Coordinator
Stephen Rayleigh
Co-Pilot Coordinator
The Flight Ops group has both Fly Day and non-Fly Day responsibilities. They coordinate both the pilots and the aircraft for Fly Days. Flight Ops staff also maintain the Wright Flight fleet of light aircraft and keep the hangar running smoothly.
Matt McLynn
Pilot / Maintenance Team
Jim Pyland
Pilot / Maintenance Team
Steve Kellermeyer
Dispatcher
Mark Kirsch
Lead Mechanic
Join Us!
Wright Flight is always looking for and ready to welcome new people to our volunteer team and staff. Get in touch to find out how you can become part of the team, and help us make a difference in our young people's lives.