[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 142 (Wednesday, September 13, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1772]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


IN APPRECIATION OF CORPORATIONS NATIONWIDE WHICH DONATED THEIR PLANES, 
   PILOTS, AND FUNDS TO THE CESSNA CITATION SPECIAL OLYMPICS AIRLIFT

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                         HON. NANCY L. JOHNSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 13, 1995
  Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to the more than 200 corporations that donated planes, pilots, and 
funding for the purpose of flying Special Olympians to and from the 
World Games in New Haven, CT on June 30, and July 10, 1995 
respectively.
  This airlift, properly known as the Cessna Citation Special Olympics 
Airlift, was the largest peacetime airlift in history. During the 
airlift period, which spanned almost 2 days, more than 400 pilots flew 
1,500 athletes in and out of Bradley International Airport. The 
planning and preparation for these pilots, the ground crew at Bradley 
International, and the Special Olympics travel coordination team was 
truly remarkable. In fact, during the airlift, each citation arrived 
and departed Bradley International within a 10-hour window; that's 600 
minutes! With 215 citations involved, a take-off or landing occurred 
every 90 seconds. All of this took place with normal Bradley air 
traffic in progress.
  Despite obstacles such as stormy weather over Pennsylvania and New 
York, speed regulations that restricted airlift arrivals to specific 
time slots, and, in some cases, picking up Olympians on airstrips that 
were closed because of recent flooding, each citation aircraft made it 
safely to and from the world games. This is truly a remarkable 
accomplishment and one in which all who were involved should be proud.
  The corporations and all who participated in this endeavor have given 
a memorable gift to the athletes, their coaches, and families. I feel 
privileged to have witnessed this historic undertaking, and I extend my 
heartfelt appreciation to the corporations, their pilots, and all who 
were willing to volunteer their time, energy, and funding to the world 
games and the spirit it represents.


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