About FunFlight

FunFlight is a not-for-profit volunteer organisation that offers children and teenagers touched by adversity or a life changing illness, a day of ‘aeronautic entertainment' together with their families.

FunFlight works closely with charities like the Starlight Children's Foundation to take the children and their families on a joy flight and to provide an afternoon of fun at a local airport.

Most pilots participating in these events are prominent business people who freely give their time and aircraft for the event. It's an opportunity for these young people and their families to relax, to get away from the daily thoughts about their illness and life challenges, providing some mental and physical relief. FunFlight is just for fun!

FunFlight was conceived by Melbourne businessman Michèl Verheem (photo) as part of the Landmark Education ‘Self Expression and Leadership Program'. All participants to this program are asked to organise an event that impacts on their local community. FunFlight started out small, with the idea to organise a day out for perhaps 10-15 children.

On hearing about the initiative, Bill Bristow, founder of aviation charity, Angel Flight and the Peninsula Aero Club immediately offered their support, and the event grew like a mushroom.

More recently FunFlight received a very substantial donation from the estate of Paul Burgess. This allowed FunFlight to shift gear and become a national event with international aspirations. It also enabled FunFlight to make decisions and operate independently from sponsorship should this be required. (Read more about Paul here)

FunFlight participants are children from the ages of 4 to 22 and their families who face a serious illness or extreme adversity. The Starlight Children's Foundation are supporting the day and have provided the contacts for families to get in touch with the FunFlight organisers.

The pilots are all volunteers drawn from around the country who provide both their aircraft and time, free of charge. Peninsula Aero Club member and Angel Flight pilot, Dr Tony Stewart, said "It's great to be involved in this important day for such special kids and their families."

FunFlight pays for the fuel required to operate a FunFlight flight.