Our Story

The Mini Jet Air Force began in 1998, with only one Sergeant and one Mini Jet. The plane, at the time, could hardly be called a Mini Jet, as it was in such poor condition and needed to be refurbished.

The challenge and commitment to see this project through would prove to be rewarding, as the restoration of the Mini Jet would provide an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many children. Since the beginning of the Mini Jet program, we have grown to five mini F-16s, one mini P-51 Mustang, and a newly added mini F-35.

We support organizations for children with Down Syndrome, Autism, Cancer, and Leukemia, among others. We bring the Mini Jets to events and give the children rides in the Mini Jets. We currently support Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, Down Syndrome Orange County, Down Syndrome Los Angeles County, Autism Speaks Orange County, and Autism Speaks Los Angeles County. We also support Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, City of Hope Cancer Research Center, Home for Abused Children, Elliott Institute for moderate to severe autistic children, and other children’s organization events.

When we see children smiling, laughing and leaving with a memory of “flying” a Mini Jet, we see how valuable this experience is for these children, and we are motivated to continue providing these experiences. We have seen many Mini Jet “pilots” grow from small children to late teens, while others we had the honor of knowing only for a short time. We are left with the memory of their smiles and laughter, and so they live on in our hearts and minds. 

Of course, the Mini Jet team could not have operated for the past 23 years if not for the countless volunteers of Retired and Reserve Air Force airmen; as well as the selfless attitude and generosity of many amazing companies that have donated parts, labor, and resources to the program. Some of these companies have kept us operational for over fifteen years with their donations; while others are new to our list of donors and supporters. We recognize these companies on our website for their contribution to the Mini Jet Team.

Our next goal is to raise enough money to buy two enclosed trailers and a pick-up truck. We currently rely on volunteers and the use of their personal vehicles to help transport the Mini Jets to our events.

We look forward to having more donors, supporters, and contributors help our team make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities and life-threatening illnesses through the Mini Jet experience. Our funding has come from prayer, my back pocket, the generosity of several selfless companies, and of course all of our volunteer teams, without them there wouldn’t be a Mini Jet Air Force. 

100% of donations will go toward providing the Mini Jet experience for children with life-threatening illnesses and disabilities. 

We are a newly formed 501(c)(3) Nonprofit organization.