Page 13 - July 2022

Buchanan (far left) and company pilot Kevin Weilein (far right) volunteered to participate in the Textron Aviation-sponsored Special Olympics Airlift, using his King Air 350 to transport eight passengers from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Orlando, Florida, for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games and back home a week later. (Courtesy: Textron Aviation)
Participating aircraft are referred to as “Doves” by the Federal Aviation Administration while flying in the Airlift, indicating that they have priority in the National Airspace System in order to keep the precision timing required for the massive airlift. The Buchanan’s King Air 350 was Dove 75 and transported eight passengers, including six members of Team Indiana’s male basketball squad.
Geary hadn’t experienced anything like the atmosphere he saw the morning of June 4. “The Special Olympic athletes were so happy, it was like they didn’t have a care in the world,” he said. “We were all talking, high fiving one another and it dawned on me that this is what life’s about.”
There was more jubilation once they landed at ORL. Geary, who sat in the right seat on the flights, opened the aircraft door to see at least 20 people cheering and waiting to welcome the athletes and crew off the airplane.
One of the people waiting there was a special guest that the Indiana contingent was especially excited to see: legendary quarterback Peyton Manning, who played much of his career for the Indianapolis Colts, and was the honorary chair of the Special Olympics Airlift.
“He greeted every plane with a sincere thank you and shook hands with all the athletes and crew members,” Geary said. “He was an absolute true gentleman. Indianapolis was truly blessed to have Peyton and Coach Tony Dungy as leaders for so many years. I had never seen Peyton in person. He is a big guy with a firm handshake!”
That’s quite a compliment from a Chicago Bears fan (Peyton led the Colts to the 2007 Super Bowl Championship against the Bears).
Buchanan and Weilein returned to ORL June 12 to ferry the athletes back to Indianapolis.
“As groups were riding out to the aircraft on golf carts for departure, everyone else would cheer and clap,” Geary said. “It was a very, very uplifting experience. We were very happy to be able to do this and it opened up my eyes to some of the opportunities out there for other charitable flying.”
Geary said he won’t hesitate to register for the next SOA and he hopes to connect with other organizations coordinating air transportation for passengers, particularly those in need of medical treatment.
“My wife and I are blessed to be at a place in our lives and our business where we can give back,” he said. “I love aviation and I love the King Air. It’s a beautiful aircraft, it’s rock solid, there’s all kinds of room in the cabin and it’s beautifully designed. It’s a great airplane that is comfortable for passengers.” KA
JULY 2022
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 11