Aeroplex / Aerolease Group - Working with the Children's Burn Foundation to Make a Child's Dream Come True

9-year-old Walter Gomez, Jr. and 7-year-old sister Ebony earn their wings four years after tragic car fire (Van Nuys, CA, Sept. 15, 2010) – Involved in a devastating car fire in April 2004, today 9-year-old Walter Gomez, Jr. and his 7-year-old sister Ebony fulfilled a dream of flying by taking the controls of a single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft in the skies above Los Angeles.

The free flight was made possible by the nonprofit Children’s Burn Foundation—dedicated to helping children who have suffered the pain of burn injuries heal and reach their full potential—in partnership with Van Nuys Airport businesses Aerolease Group, Clay Lacy Aviation, Signature Flight Support and the Airtel Plaza Hotel.

The children and their parents, Walter Gomez, Sr. and Sandra Correa, began the day with a reception at Aerolease Associates and VIP tour of Van Nuys Airport, which included a visit with firefighters at the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Air Operations Unit and the chance to climb inside a sleek corporate jet at Clay Lacy Aviation.

During the flight, pilot and aircraft owner Dan Katz provided each child the opportunity to actually fly the airplane. The trip included one stop at a local airfield to allow Walter, Jr. and Ebony to switch seats so each could take a turn at the controls. After arriving back at Van Nuys Airport following the approximately one-hour flight, the family was treated to lunch at the Airtel Plaza Hotel.

Background
On April 18, 2004, Walter Gomez, Jr. (then age three), sister Ebony (then age six months) and their parents were involved in a traumatic car accident while heading home to Azusa, Calif. Their car was hit, spun out of control and burst into flames, causing severe burns to all but Ebony, who miraculously escaped physical injury. Since then, the family has undergone years of reconstructive treatment and therapy as they continue their long road to recovery.

Today, they actively participate in camp experiences through the Children’s Burn Foundation.

How to Help
Founded in 1985, Children’s Burn Foundation provides local, national and international support services and reconstructive treatment to children who have been severely burned, and their families, and works to prevent other burn accidents through its acclaimed prevention and education programs. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.childburn.org or call (800) 949-8898.

Visit Aerolease online: http://aeroplex.net

The Aeroplex / Aerolease Group leases aviation hangars, office space and shops at Van Nuys and Long Beach Airports. We own and manage three of the most prestigious aviation leaseholds at the Van Nuys (VNY) and Long Beach Airports (LGB).

Aeroplex / Aerolease Group
3333 E. Spring Street # 204
Long Beach, CA 90806

Contact: Curt Castagna

This release was published on openPR.