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When George took me flying, I was a little scared actually. But one of the things I’ve learned in sobriety is to trust my sober friends to tell the truth. And when George describes flying he makes me feel safe and in good hands. So I was able to set aside fear and enjoy a new experience. Being introduced to the plane like it was a friend and shown how to get it ready for flight made it feel like I was part of a team! George gave me the opportunity to either just enjoy the amazing scenery from way up in the sky, or to fly the plane myself (with him right there as backup!) with no pressure either way. It was such an amazing experience and I hope to get to go again.
— Sali
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I went flying with Arizenfly a few years back while seeking new and diverse experiences in order to be more connected to the world around me. The experience was exhilarating and very positive. It made me realize that freedom - true freedom for me - lies in the ability to get out of myself and in to the realm of things around me that raise my awareness of the awe and beauty of this universe. Flying with Arizenfly accomplishes this. I highly recommend the experience.
— Dan
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I have known George Ridgik for at least 10 years. During that time I have had the pleasure of seeing George's passion for flying airplanes develop alongside his passion for helping other people, especially those who are underserved but in need. To see those two passions merge in his Arizenfly non-profit is such a delight. I have had the pleasure of donating some money to Arizenfly in the past and will continue to do so in the future. George took me up one day for a flight out of the Boulder airport and along the Front Range. It was so much fun being up there, but also to hear George talk about flying, about the airplane we were in, but also about his passion for helping others who might benefit from the experience I had, but who might not be able to afford a private flight such as this. I am a big fan of Arizenfly and its mission of helping others.
— Jonathan
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Before taking off in any aircraft, pilots have to complete a checklist or steps to ensure a safe flight; test emergency and safety systems, configure the GPS and instrumentation, check the weather, routing, and weight & balance among other things. Once completed and the plane starts rolling down the runway the magic of lift occurs. Bernoulli's theorem explains lift as a consequence of the curved upper surface of an airfoil. Because of this curvature air traveling across the top of the wing moves faster than the air moving along the wing's bottom surface which is flat. We can’t see it…but we feel it, and it is wonderful! All of a sudden we are way above Boulder looking towards the Flatirons, flying over Jamestown being able to see far off mountains, Longs Peak & the continental divide. For me addiction recovery is exactly like that. The 12 steps being the checklist our co-pilot or sponsor teaches us. Our higher power the magical lift of flight releasing us from resentments and our addictions. A sudden sense of freedom washes over me as we go higher and higher. That’s what Arizenfly and George gave me. Freedom. Thank you George!
— Anonymous
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As I climbed in the airplane, my heart began to race and I began to take deep breaths. I'm not sure where my fear of small airplanes began, but I was terrified of them. I knew if I was going to overcome my fear, George would be the pilot to help me. He slowly explained every step along the way. He allowed me the time I needed to take over flying the plane once we were in the air and he took back control as soon as I asked. He asked me questions to keep me focused on the present instead of my anxiety. As we flew toward the sunset, I realized by focusing on the necessary steps to fly and having control of the plane even for a brief moment, I was able to remain in the present and not allow my anxiety and fear to take over. This experience taught me to re-focus my energy in all of my life's moments of anxiety to remain present and calm.
— Annsly