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

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