Robert Duncan To Fly Dove 1
Most operators of business aircraft have heard of the Citation Special Olympics Airlift. Special Olympics is an international organization that provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship.
The roots of the Citation Special Olympics Airlift began in 1985 when Cessna Aircraft Company sent two Citations to fly the Kansas Special Olympic delegation to the International Winter Games in Salt Lake City. Then in 1987, the company coordinated more than 130 Citations to take part in that year’s World Games in Indiana. Over the years, more than 1,000 Citations have taken flight to carry 7,100 athletes, coaches and sponsors to compete in International and U.S. National Special Olympic competitions.
Corporations and individuals who own Citations donate their business jet(s), flight crew and fuel for the airlift. Each one is called a “Dove Flight” and without them, many of the 3,000 athletes that compete at each event could not afford the trip.
In the summer of 2010, the Special Olympic competition will be hosted by Lincoln, Nebraska, the city where Duncan Aviation has its headquarters. Robert Duncan, Duncan Aviation Chairman Emeritus and Citation owner, was the first to volunteer for the airlift and will be given the call sign “Dove 1.” Robert will fly his new plaid (yes, plaid) Citation Mustang to transport the first Special Olympic delegation to the Lincoln Airport that July.
Cessna is seeking volunteers to join Robert in this cause, hoping to secure more than 325 Citations to support the effort. Citation owners wanting to participate are encouraged to register online.
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