SINCE 1987, TEXTRON AVIATION CUSTOMERS HAVE GENEROUSLY DONATED THE USE OF THEIR AIRCRAFT TO TRANSPORT OVER 10,000 SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES. IT'S THE FLIGHT OF A LIFETIME. FULL OF PURPOSE, UNFORGETTABLE JOY AND CAMARADERIE.
IT'S THE FLIGHT OF A LIFETIME. FULL OF PURPOSE, UNFORGETTABLE JOY AND CAMARADERIE.
GO BEYOND CHEERING THEM ON. BECOME A DOVE AND WELCOME THEM ABOARD.
A: The Special Olympics Airlift, organized by Textron Aviation in collaboration with its customers and the Special Olympics USA Games, is a unique event that mobilizes hundreds of volunteer pilots and aircraft to transport athletes and coaches to the USA Games. It is the world’s largest peacetime airlift, showcasing the power of aviation collaboration and community spirit.
A: The 2026 USA Games will be hosted at the University of Minnesota from June 20 to June 26, 2026. The Airlift will transport athletes to St. Paul Downtown Airport Holman Field (KSTP) on Friday, June 19, 2026, and return them home on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
A: Doves are a symbol of peace, and this is the world’s largest peacetime airlift, showcasing the power of aviation collaboration and community spirit. The prestigious “Dove” designation is given to owners and operators who donate the use of their aircraft to transport athletes to and from the Special Olympics USA Games. Doves are given National Airspace System priority by the Federal Aviation Administration while flying in the Airlift.
A: With an aircraft landing every 2-4 minutes throughout the 10+ hour day, the Airlift is highly choreographed. Location and fleet size for each state delegation is considered in the planning process.
A: Participating aircraft are preferred to have two qualified pilots and required to provide a valid Certificate of Insurance reflecting a minimum of $2M liability insurance and Textron Aviation as an additional insured party. There will be no exceptions to the required liability limits.
A: Certain donations are tax deductible. Volunteers should contact the Textron Aviation community relations team for specific information at communityrelations@txtav.com.
