Yesterday we profiled how it has become easier for less able people to drive a car. Today we’re going to go one step further and tell you about Aerobility – the charity dedicated to teaching disabled people how to fly a plane.
If space is the final frontier, then the skies are surely the penultimate frontier. So it seems to many people that they would be a no-go area for the less able. Even Mike Miller-Smith MBE, the CEO of Aerobility, agrees that this is a more commonly held view than not. He says that “it is a surprise to many people – disabled and able bodied – that flying is very much a possibility for people with a range of disabilities.” He goes on to say that “disabled flying can provide a level of challenge and exhilaration that may be difficult to find anywhere else.”
Aerobility was founded twenty years ago with the sole purpose of teaching disabled people how to fly. Since it’s inception the charity’s policy has been that they will teach anyone who wants to learn, no matter the disability. Whether they’re doing ‘experience of a lifetime’ trial flying lessons for the terminally ill or at-cost instruction and qualification flight training to members, Aerobility offer a service that can change how people view disability forever.
They pledge that anybody who can move can have a go at flying, although not everybody will be able to gain a license. With two decades of experience, Aerobility have worked out solutions – such as aircraft adaptations, hoisting techniques and more – to allow everyone to at least take part in a trial session. They say whether it’s “mobility issues, learning difficulties and sensory problems, through to neurological disorders and amputation – and all points in between. We’ve probably come across your problem before, and we’ll have a strategy which will allow you to fly.”
Aerobility operate out of Blackbushe in Camberley, Tatenhill in Stoke On Trent and Prestwick in Glasgow. If you want to fly then you can fill out an online form here. The form includes questions on where you want to fly and about the details of your accessibility requirements. If they don’t have all the necessary information, they may not be able to book the right equipment, so be sure you’re thorough. When they reply to your request to fly they send a couple of forms which you need to fill out as well to confirm your fitness to fly. It’s not too arduous a process and it’s worth it if you get to fly a plane at the end of it.
A one-off flight would be a pretty awesome experience. It’s certainly sounding a lot better than Red Letter Days, who we spoke to and only offered a flight simulator experience. At £60 for a trial session, Aerobility is also cheaper than the £99 Red Letter Day. On top of everything else, one notices that there is an apparent community feel to Aerobility, amongst the regulars, with special activities and meetups being organised.
Aerobility is a truly amazing charity that goes to show that, for the less able, even the sky is no longer the limit.
Aerobility is a registered charity and relies on funding from a range of different sources – from community fundraising events, to corporate sponsors, to charitable trusts. If you want to help by donating, fundraising or another means of support then head to their website.