Experiences Archives

March 25, 2026March 28, 2026

Amazing Kick Off to the 2026 Dream Flyer Day Series

This past weekend, Above the Clouds completed its first Dream Flight Day of the 2026 season and despite a few weather-related speed bumps, the day was nothing short of extraordinary – as most Dream Flight Days are. We launched into the morning with low clouds, but in true Above the Clouds fashion, our amazing team rose to the challenge.

Our Dream Flyers, many of whom face steep climbs in life due to illness, disabilities, or personal hardships, reminded us of what resilience really looks like. They showed up ready to fly with big smiles and ready to embrace an experience that takes them far beyond the weight they carry.

And much like them, our pilots and all of our wonderful volunteers were equally resilient. They navigated delays, adjusted flight plans, and worked together seamlessly to make this final event of the season truly shine.

Through teamwork, patience, and a shared commitment to our mission, we left the turbulence behind and reached smooth skies together.

Images below are from past Dream Flight Days

October 27, 2025October 27, 2025

Every Dream Flight Keeps Getting Better

This past Saturday, October 25, eight incredible children took to the skies at Norwood Memorial Airport for a day they will never forget. Each Dream Flight Day is special, but this one reminded us again why we do what we do.

With clear skies and calm air, our Dream Flyers experienced pure joy and freedom as they soared above the clouds, leaving behind worries, challenges, and limitations on the ground. Smiles, laughter, and a few happy tears filled the hangar as families watched their children’s dreams take flight.

Thank You

We are deeply grateful to the amazing pilots who made the day possible: Charles, Adam, Servet, Bob, Paul, Peter, and Cristian. Your generosity and compassion embody the heart of Above the Clouds.

To our volunteers, including flight coordinators, joy makers, photographers, and ground crew, thank you for giving your time, energy, and heart to create a day that these families will cherish forever.

Looking Ahead

Now we are gearing up for our final Dream Flight Day of the year on Saturday, December 6 (Rain Date: Sunday, December 7), a very special day dedicated to Gary and Martha Oberstein, the founders of Above the Clouds and the inspiration behind our mission to bring hope and joy to children facing adversity.

We are aiming to make this the biggest and best Dream Flight Day yet, and we would love for you to be part of it.

How You Can Help

Volunteer: Whether you are a pilot, photographer, or someone who loves helping kids smile, there is a place for you

If you’re already an ATC volunteer, sign up here.
If you’re new and want to join our team, start your application here.

Donate: Your gift helps us continue offering these life-changing experiences free of charge.
Make a donation

Spread the Word: Share our story with your friends, colleagues, and networks so more families and volunteers can discover the joy of Dream Flights.

Each Dream Flight reminds us that hope has no limits and that a single day can change a child’s outlook forever. Thank you to everyone who helps make these magical moments possible. Together, we are lifting spirits and changing lives, one flight at a time.

September 27, 2025September 30, 2025

Perfect Weather, Incredible Kids, and the Best Dream Flight Day of the Year

This past Saturday, September 27, was one for the books. With the clearest skies and smoothest air of the season, we celebrated our biggest and best Dream Flight Day of the year. Thanks to our amazing community of pilots, flight coordinators, joy makers, photographers, and ground crew, nine extraordinary children got to take to the skies for an unforgettable experience.

Over 20 volunteers joined us, each one giving their time, energy, and heart to make the day magical. A special thank-you goes out to Keith Cavella from Dunkin’ for coming out to lend a hand and support the day. Your generosity and enthusiasm helped make our families feel so welcomed.

Stories of Strength and Courage

Our Dream Flyers showed extraordinary resilience. Some were completing treatment for cancer or living with autism and communication challenges. Others faced rare genetic disorders, vision loss, or serious heart and lung conditions. A few were coping with developmental delays, anxiety, or bullying. Despite these hardships, each child left their struggles on the ground and soared with joy, confidence, and hope.

Thank You

To our pilots, volunteers, and supporters: thank you for making this day possible. Your generosity, your skills, and your spirit are what keep Above the Clouds flying. We are grateful for every hour, every smile, and every moment you share with our Dream Flyers and their families.

Join Us

We’re already looking ahead to our next Dream Flight Day on Saturday, October 25th, and we’d love for you to be part of it.

If you’re already an ATC volunteer, sign up here.

If you’re new and want to join our team, start your application here.

Together, we are bringing joy, confidence, and hope to kids who need it most. Thank you for helping dreams take flight.

August 26, 2025

Blue Skies, Smiles, and Soaring Dreams

After a stretch of tough weather, we are thrilled to finally be enjoying consistent clear skies and perfect flying conditions for our Dream Flights. This past weekend’s Dream Flight Day brought together an incredible group of kids and families, and once again our volunteers made the magic happen.

One parent shared this note after their child’s flight:

“You and your team were absolutely amazing from beginning to end. We can’t thank you enough for a once in a lifetime type experience. He was excited to fly over Ashland and see familiar things. He loved that he actually got to fly the plane. The bomber jacket and sunglasses were the cherry on top. He told his dad they are chick magnets.”
—Jamie & Brady

Moments like these are only possible because of the generosity and dedication of our volunteer pilots, flight coordinators, joy makers, photographers, and ground crew. You are the heart of Above the Clouds.

We are already preparing for our next Dream Flight Day and would love for you to join us.

If you are already an ATC volunteer, sign up here: Volunteer RSVP – Existing Volunteers
If you are new and would like to join our volunteer team, start your application here: Volunteer Application – New Volunteers

Thank you for helping us bring the joy and wonder of flight to kids who need it most. Together, we are making dreams take flight.

August 26, 2025August 26, 2025

Brady Becomes a Pilot for the Day with Above the Clouds

Ray, You and your team were absolutely amazing from beginning to end. We can’t thank you enough for a once in a life time type experience. Here are some photos from yesterday. He was excited to fly over Ashland and see familiar things. He loved that he actually got to fly the plane. The bomber jacket and sunglasses were the cherry on top, he told his dad that they are chick magnets…

Love,
Jamie and Brady

August 19, 2025August 20, 2025

Raveena Takes to the Skies

Meet Raveena, a remarkable 17-year-old with her eyes on the sky!

Raveena is passionate about aviation, aerospace, space, and engineering. She is also deeply devoted to her family, who inspire her every day with their love and resilience. Growing up in a household where American Sign Language is the language of care and connection has shaped Raveena into an exceptional scholar and an inspiring young leader.

Today, Raveena took her very first flight as an Above the Clouds Dream Flyer! Flying with volunteer pilot Nathan Griffith, professor of Aviation Sciences at Bridgewater State University, she soared in a Cessna 150, circled the Boston skyline, and even took the controls herself.

She not only logged her first minutes in a flight log, but also lifted the spirits of everyone at Above the Clouds. Raveena is a true inspiration, and we can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next.

Want to be part of the journey?
• Learn more or refer a child to be a Dream Flyer: www.abovethecloudskids.org
• Volunteer as a pilot or a Joy Maker: email info@abovethecloudskids.org or call 617.918.7344
• Support Above the Clouds with a donation: www.abovethecloudskids.org/donate

Together we can help more kids rise above their challenges through the wonder of flight.

July 14, 2025July 14, 2025

Aviation Discovery Day with Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South

What an incredible Aviation Discovery Day at Cape Cod Community College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology Program at Plymouth Airport! Teens from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South got an inside look at the world of aviation

From learning how to weigh and balance an aircraft, to shaping real sheet metal parts, to exploring drone photography (and even flying drones themselves!)—these future aviation pros dove into hands-on learning and left inspired by the many career paths the skies have to offer.

Huge thanks to our amazing partners at Cape Cod Community College, Women in Aviation’s Nor’Easters of Cape Cod Bay Chapter, drone instructor David Price, and of course our friends at Boy &Girls Clubs of Metro South for making this Aviation Discovery Day one to remember!

June 15, 2025July 7, 2025

Miranda’s Day in the Air. A Dream Flight to Remember!

At just 9 years old, Miranda has big dreams — and plenty of talent to match. As an autistic child, she’s highly gifted, deeply sensitive, and always attentive to the people around her. She’s also a huge fan of Pikachu, Pokémon, anime, manga, LEGO, Minecraft, and recently traded piano lessons for the drums — because this future rock star marches to her own beat.

But on this special day, Miranda took to the skies instead of the stage, flying with our longtime supporter and first-time Dream Flight pilot Charles Evan in his Beechcraft BE-36 Bonanza. As always, Miranda’s bright personality, endless curiosity, and gift for connecting with others made the day even more special for everyone involved.

At Above the Clouds, we create unforgettable flight experiences for kids of all abilities who are facing adversity — helping them see just how high their dreams can soar.

Huge thanks to Charles and to all our volunteer pilots, supporters, and families who make Dream Flights possible!

June 10, 2025June 13, 2025

Jeymill’s Dream Flight

Jeymill dreams of becoming a pilot one day. He knows his airplanes — he’s especially a fan of Airbus — but today he got to experience something even better: taking the controls himself.

Thanks to our volunteer pilot Adam, Jeymill and his uncle Hector soared above the clouds in Adam’s sporty Cirrus SR22. And while Adam handled the takeoff and landing, Jeymill flew most of the way — getting one step closer to his aviation dreams.

At Above the Clouds, we give kids facing adversities the chance to experience the freedom and confidence that flight can bring. For kids like Jeymill, it’s not just a ride — it’s inspiration for the future.

Huge thanks to Adam and all of our amazing volunteers and supporters who help make Dream Flights possible.

December 20, 2024December 30, 2024

Relive the magic or our November 2024 Dream Flyer Day

Relive the Magic of Our Last Dream Flyer Day! ✈️

Smiles, courage, and unforgettable moments filled the sky during our last Dream Flyer Day! Watch these amazing kids take flight and see how Above the Clouds inspires hope and transformation through the power of aviation.

#DreamFlyerDay #AboveTheClouds #InspireHope #SupportATC #MakingDreamsTakeFlight #IconA5 #Cessna #Cirrus