Attendees at the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In can show support for injured airshow performers Kyle and Amanda Franklin by making donations and sending messages at the Aircraft Specialties Services Inc. booth, the company announced.
The Franklins were performing a wing-walking routine in at Air Fiesta 2011 at Brownsville-South Padre International Airport March 12 when the engine of their modified Waco biplane lost power and caught fire. Amanda was able to climb off the wing and into the front cockpit before the aircraft crash landed, but both performers were seriously injured and suffered extensive burns. Donations at the Aircraft Specialties booth in Building B (22/23) will go to the Moonlight Fund, one of two organizations collecting donations for the Franklins’ medical expenses and recovery. The International Council of Air Shows Foundation also has established a fund for the performers and is accepting donations at its booth at Sun ‘n Fun or online.
Aircraft Specialties, a sponsor of the couple’s Franklin’s Flying Circus & Airshow act, said it is offering two ways to donate: by a direct cash or check donation to the Moonlight Fund with pre-addressed envelopes, or through the sale of CamGuard, the company‘s engine oil additive.
“Regularly listing at $24.95, the show price is $29.95, with one hundred per cent of this amount going to the Moonlight fund,” the company said in a press release. “Concerned aviators may convey a message for the couple in a journal provided at the booth.”
Kyle told supporters on the performers’ Facebook page that he has been discharged from the hospital, while Amanda, whose injuries are more severe, is still undergoing surgeries and treatment. The couple’s website said Amanda suffered from numerous broken bones and third-degree burns over 70 percent of her body, and directed supporters to the Facebook page for updates on her condition.
People who wish to donate to the Franklins’ funds may do so through the Moonlight Fund, a nonprofit that provides assistance to burn survivors and their family members, by specifying the Kyle & Amanda Franklin Fund; or through the International Council of Air Shows Foundation by specifying the Kyle & Amanda Fund during the donation process.
AOPA ePublishing staff
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