MICHAEL HUNTER

Aircraft Type: Flight for Diabetes Laser 230
Empty weight: 950 lbs.
Horsepower: 230
Rate of Climb: 3500 fpm
Stress Limits: +/- 12g

Flight for Diabetes was founded in 2000 as a revolutionary concept in the air show industry- a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with 100% of proceeds benefiting children with diabetes.

Founder Michael Hunter's story began 20 years ago as a student pilot with a commitment to join the U.S. Air Force. Those plans were quickly shattered when he was diagnosed with diabetes, ending his military career. He was repeatedly told he would never fly again. It was not until 1997 that the FAA changed its policy due to the advances in diabetes control. Finally, in 1999, Michael received his medical approval to fly. After receiving his pilot's license, Michael worked exclusively on aerobatic training. He won the first IAC contest that he entered and has been living his lifelong dream ever since.

His state-of-the-art equipment in the cockpit includes an Accu-Chek Compact blood-glucose meter, used regularly while in flight to prevent an insulin-reaction and an Accu-Chek Spirit insulin pump, which automatically administers insulin to Michael every 3 minutes. Michael's use of these tools and his commitment to control allows him to fly as safely as any other pilot despite his diabetes.

Michael has gone on to become the only diabetic in the world with a low-altitude air show performer's license. Along with his wife Erica and dozens of volunteers, Flight for Diabetes will provide motivational programs to approximately 40,000 people, children with diabetes and their families, this season. Additionally, millions air show spectators will see Michael's performance and learn more about diabetes.

Over 16 million people in the U.S. have diabetes; nearly 6 percent of the population. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness (age 20 to 75) and kills one person every three minutes. Type 1 diabetes strikes suddenly in children and young adults. Children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes require a daily regimen of blood testing, complicated nutritional limitations and multiple insulin injections to stay alive.

The diagnosis rate of juvenile diabetes has increased 900% in the last decade, and even more alarming is the fact that only 33% of these children will live to age 55 unless something is done. Remembering how limited he felt when he was diagnosed, Michael says,

"We have to prevent other kids from feeling that way. They need to see that diabetes can be controlled. Once it is, diabetes does not have to keep these children from achieving their dreams and living long, healthy lives."


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