Giving every family member the confidence to fly.
A full commercial airport and flight simulation — real pilots, real flight attendants, real TSA — built so children with autism can rehearse the entire journey before they ever set foot in a real airport.
Airports are one of the most overstimulating places a family can enter.
Unpredictable sounds, crowds, fluorescent lighting, and constant announcements collide — and for many families, the risk of a meltdown means the trip never happens at all.
children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
increase in autism diagnoses over the last 20 years
of individuals with autism experience significant anxiety disorders
some families go without a single vacation, fearing the airport
It’s not just a missed flight. It’s a missed life.
- Missed family occasions
- Skipped holidays
- No college visits
- No dream vacations
- Isolation from extended family
For thousands of families, avoiding air travel isn’t a preference — it’s a coping strategy for fear of judgment, sensory overload, and safety concerns. Even walking through TSA can trigger panic.
It’s not just a plane ticket. It’s access to life.
A fully immersive Hollywood airline studio — built for rehearsal, not performance.
Founded by Talaat Captan of Air Hollywood Studios, Open Sky uses the world’s largest aviation-themed film studio to recreate every stage of air travel, so kids can practice the whole journey with no real consequences.
Real Pilots & Crew
Professional pilots and flight attendants guide families through the experience.
Full Boarding Gate Setup
Ticketing, check-in, baggage check, and a realistic departure lounge.
TSA Simulation
Practice security screening at a real pace, with real equipment.
Realistic Cabin Experience
Seatbelt practice, engine sounds, and overhead announcements.
Sensory Coping Tools
Trained volunteers and therapists help kids work through real-time stressors.
Taxi & Takeoff Simulation
The full sensation of departure — sound, motion cues, and movement.
Repetition builds confidence. Confidence builds freedom.
Families attend a simulation day
Open to the public with limited seating, at Air Hollywood’s studio in Valencia, CA.
Children experience check-in, security, boarding
Every station is staffed by real aviation professionals and trained volunteers.
They sit in a realistic cabin
Engine sounds, announcements, and seatbelt practice — the full sensory picture.
They practice sensory coping tools
With therapists and crew on hand at every step of the journey.
They leave with familiarity instead of fear
Ready for the next step: a real flight, with the family alongside them.
Real results from participating families.
“For the first time, my son smiled on a plane.”— a Open Sky parent
- Increased willingness to attempt real flights
- Reduced pre-flight anxiety
- Improved understanding of airport procedures
- Parents reporting first successful family trips
No family should be excluded because of geography.
We’re launching a mobile Open Sky experience, traveling city to city to reach families who can’t make it to a major hub.
- Portable aircraft cabin builds
- Simulated gates
- Professional volunteers
- Community partnerships
West Coast → Mountain → Midwest → East Coast
Today he practiced boarding. Tomorrow he boards for real.
Every child deserves to see the world.
Open Sky is making news.