Pediatric rehabilitation patients from Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach experienced the joy of being a pilot as they attended “flight school” and took a private voyage over Long Beach with the help of the California Flight Center.
Patients with special needs, including children with spina bifida, brain injuries, neuromuscular disorders and other conditions, were assigned to a certified flight instructor who took them in a four-seat Cessna with a parent, caretaker or therapist. The private tour departed from Long Beach Airport and included a short trip to Palos Verdes, the Queen Mary and back to the airport. During the flight, the instructor taught patients how to keep the plane steady and how to make turns, as well as allowing them to co-pilot.
For the past 10 years, the event has been made possible by the hospital’s pediatric rehabilitation program and the Spirit of Suzi Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to bring the excitement of flight in a small aircraft to children with traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities. The foundation is named in honor of Suzi Hesseltine, a promising young pilot who tragically lost her life in a non-flying related accident at the age of 18.
“It is so great seeing the patients outside of their normal rehabilitation setting,” said Mariana Sena, recreational therapist. “The pure look of joy on their faces when they step off the plane makes me happy. We are thankful to the pilots and the California Flight Center for giving their time to provide our patients with such a wonderful activity.”
