Our Story

Able Flight at Southern Illinois University began in 2023, marking the start of a transformative partnership dedicated to making aviation accessible for individuals with disabilities. What began as a collaboration has evolved into a new chapter for the program. Today, Able Flight has officially become Able Flight at SIU, with Southern Illinois University assuming full responsibility for the operation, management, and future growth of the program. This transition ensures that the mission and vision established more than 20 years ago will continue to thrive for generations to come.

For more than two decades, Able Flight has transformed lives by making it possible for individuals with physical disabilities to achieve the dream of becoming pilots. Since its founding, the program has helped more than 100 individuals earn their pilot certificates, demonstrating that determination—not disability—defines what is possible. As the permanent home of the program, SIU is proud to build upon this extraordinary legacy while expanding opportunities for future generations.

To honor the vision and pioneering work of Able Flight founder Charles H. Stites, Southern Illinois University established the Charles H. Stites Able Flight at SIU Endowment Fund. This endowment will provide permanent, sustainable funding to support scholarships, adaptive flight training resources, innovative equipment, and program operations. Through this investment, SIU is preserving the mission Charles Stites began while creating new opportunities for aspiring pilots with disabilities to experience the freedom, confidence, and independence that aviation provides.

Looking ahead, SIU's vision is not simply to maintain Able Flight at SIU. It is to grow it into the world's premier adaptive flight training program. Through philanthropic support, industry partnerships, and continued innovation, we will expand scholarship opportunities, increase access to adaptive aircraft and emerging aviation technologies, strengthen workforce pathways, and serve more students than ever before. As part of SIU's nationally recognized School of Aviation, Able Flight at SIU is uniquely positioned to shape the future of accessible aviation.

The transition to Able Flight at SIU represents a long-term commitment to ensuring that the dream of flight remains within reach for people of all abilities. Together with our donors, partners, alumni, and supporters, we are carrying forward Charles H. Stites' remarkable legacy and ensuring that the sky is accessible to everyone for generations to come.