The beginning of this week marked Veterans Day. As a leading retail and recreation purveyor, Kitty Hawk Kites has always prioritized our relationship with Veterans by offering military discounts to customers with a valid military ID. Additionally, certain members of our team have exercised exceptional customer service to those who have served the United States and helped deliver these individuals a well deserved, memorable experience.
Jonny Thompson is a staple figure in the hang gliding and Kitty Hawk Kites communities. He is the Tandem Flight Park Manager, a Master Rated Pilot, an Advanced Hang-Gliding Instructor, a Tandem Instructor, Private Pilot, Tug Pilot, FAA Flight Instructor and Examiner and United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association mentor; He is also an administrator for tandem, aerotow, platform and static launch. In his long career in the sport of Hang Gliding, Jonny has dedicated his life to training and guiding free flight aviation students. Among new pilots he has helped are a number of current and former members of the armed forces. Below, Jonny speaks about the military discount, and how giving back to those who have served has enriched his life and career.
In the twenty eight years I have worked for Kitty Hawk Flight School as a Tandem Pilot, Aerotug Pilot, and Flight Park Manager, we have offered Military Personnel Discounts for both learning what it is like to fly a two place hang glider and with a qualified instructor to 2,000 or 5280 feet above the ground, as well as flying a single place hang glider in Jockey’s Ridge State Park by yourself with an instructor helping you while outside the glider. Every flight is a lesson tailored to the students’ preference. If you want to just experience what it feels like, or start learning to become a solo hang glider pilot, we always offer an experience to fit the student.
We can also accommodate group events for Military Organizations at an even higher discount. The Group/Team environment is a nature for servicemen and women. For any wounded veterans who have lost limbs or the use of their arms or legs, we offer the discount, but we also book them for two time slots so that we can assist them getting in and out of the harness. Flying free of the bonds of earth never gets old, but for some it can be harder and take more preparation.
A few years ago, the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association partnered with the Military to offer Veterans a chance to become Hang Glider Pilots. Kitty Hawk Kites was proud to assist four veterans in learning to become pilots. Three of our students learned to fly to solo and two went on to become USHPA members and fly on their own equipment at flying sites across the United States.
Some of the most special students I’ve had the pleasure to work with are members of the military community. To share the thrill of flight with those who have truly earned that joy that comes with the experience is one of the most humbling and honorable facets of my career.
The Military Discount extends into all aspects of the Kitty Hawk Kites sales force. Our retail stores always and openly offer special promotions for members and alumni of the armed forces. We work with non-profits such as WindSports for Wounded Warriors, the Wounded Warrior Project, and the American Legion to provide experiences and services to individuals who have served the country. Ultimately, Kitty Hawk Kites recognizes the importance of giving back to those who give so much to the American population. Thank you Veterans for your service and allowing us to teach the world to fly.
