Able Flight Class of 2018 to Receive Wings at AirVenture
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Kory Puderbaugh was born without hands or feet and was the first student pilot in this year’s class to earn his pilot certificate. Kory trained at Purdue University. -
Retired Staff Sgt. Robert Bartlett was wounded in Iraq in 2005, suffering severe injuries to his face and resulting in the loss of an eye. Robert trained at The Ohio State University.
July 19, 2018 - The pilots of the Able Flight Class of 2018 will receive their wings at a pinning ceremony on Tuesday, July 24 at 10 a.m. at Theater in the Woods during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Special guests will include Aviation Hall of Fame inductee and air show performer Patty Wagstaff.
This year’s graduating pilots include a veteran wounded in combat, a young man born without hands or feet, and two pilots who are deaf. Several pilots will also be honored individually as recipients of scholarships provided by ForeFlight, Lockheed Martin, Shell Aviation, Tempest Plus, and Embraer.
2018 marks the ninth year of Able Flight’s training partnership with Purdue University, and the second year with training partner The Ohio State University. Now in its 12th year of providing full-ride flight training scholarships and mentoring for people with physical disabilities, Able Flight has helped 64 pilots earn their certificates, including several who have earned multiple pilot certificates.
