A JOYRIDE in a light aircraft was a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity for the Fossey family yesterday.

Nine-year-old Cameron is a special needs child and his dad William is vision-impaired.

Cameron and other seriously ill and disadvantaged children and their families took to the skies to experience the joy of flying, thanks to Camp Quality, Hear Kids, Autism Queensland, FunFlight and the Rockhampton Aero Club yesterday.

Once back on the ground, the families spent some quality time together as they were entertained by the Singapore Air Force and the Hotrod Car Club.

The Fossey family was very excited as they enjoyed a rare day of fun.

“This is really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our family,” mum Janette said.

Rockhampton Aero Club president Graham Dooley said it was a free day dedicated to families and children suffering from sickness or disabilities.

“It's not just the sick children doing it tough; it's the mums and dads and the brothers and sisters suffering too,” Mr Dooley said.

The founder and one of the directors of FunFlight, Michel Verheem, who was in Rockhampton for the event yesterday, shared a touching story about a nine-year-old girl from Perth.

“A pilot in Perth told us about a little girl who passed away. When her mum asked her if she was afraid of dying, she said, ‘When I'm dead it will be like flying the whole time', just like her FunFlight experience,” Mr Verheem said.

FunFlight is a not-for-profit organisation that offers children and teenagers touched by life-changing illness or adversity a day of aviation-based fun with their families.