Ed.note: In view of the wide range of locations of those
who read our posts on the Safety Blog, for those who may be unfamiliar with us
I am taking this opportunity to outline the role of Aerobility as an important part
of the UK’s General Aviation Community
Introduction
Aerobility is a UK-registered charity founded in 1993 offering disabled people, without exception, the opportunity to fly an aeroplane.
Aerobility is a UK-registered charity founded in 1993 offering disabled people, without exception, the opportunity to fly an aeroplane.
For some, just that amazing first
flight is enough to change their outlook on disability forever: "If I can fly a
plane, what else can I do?"
Others, realising that the fantasy of
flight is truly in their grasp, decide to continue their training - many all
the way to securing a Private Pilot's Licence, some even with an outlook towards
commercial flying.
Aerobility provides 'experience of a
lifetime' trial flying lessons for as many terminally ill and disabled people
as possible every year, also subsidised flying days for other disability
charities and at-cost instruction and qualification flight training to disabled
people.
How we operate
A User-Led Organisation, Aerobility
is run largely by disabled aviators, for disabled people. Through various
fundraising initiatives and careful management strategies we are able allow
disabled people to fly for a fraction of the commercial rate. Aerobility also
provides advice, knowledge and advocacy for disabled people who wish to fly,
and we are the representative body for disabled aviation within the UK.
Our Operations
Aerobility has operating bases at a
number of airfields in the UK: Our headquarters at Blackbushe on the
Hampshire/Surrey border, at Tatenhill in the Midlands, and at Prestwick and Skye
in Scotland. We also fly from many other airfields on temporary or “ad hoc” detachment.
With the help of Sponsors and Supporters,
Aerobility operates a mixed fleet of light aircraft, balanced for capability,
most being owned outright with others leased to suit demand.
· Our main training aircraft type is the Piper Warrior 161,
adapted so that it can be flown by people with disabilities. Even severely
disabled people can be hoisted into the cockpit, using our specially developed
hoisting techniques, and electric robotic or manual hoists.
· We also have a PA32 Cherokee 6, a larger aircraft with
more load capacity which allows us to take larger wheelchairs, power-chairs and
a hoist with us on our flights; so that we can operate away from our usual
bases without having to bring equipment by road.
· We recently added a brand new fuel-efficient Tecnam P2002 two-seater
to the fleet, modified during build at the factory to meet our requirements - a
'World first' for the charity.
Following a major fundraising effort
in 2012, we also own a fixed-base PA-28 flight simulator which is located at
our main office at Blackbushe Airport, also have a mobile simulator which we
can transport to exhibitions, shows and events.
Our funding and ambitions
Despite our professional appearance,
and the astonishing outcomes that we produce, we rely on donations, in cash and
in kind. These come from a number of commercial organisations and charitable
trusts (including disabled veterans charities, and charities providing funds
for improving the lives of physically-disabled or otherwise-impaired children),
together with one-off and regular donations from supporters, and our own annual
Aviators Ball fundraiser.
Constantly looking to further improve
what we offer, it is our ambition to grow into a better, as well as bigger
organisation; and we will need to continue to seek the funds to make this
possible.
We thank you for your interest in our
Safety Blog, which is showing a “hit level” well in excess of 10,000, and trust
that you will continue to find our posts both informative and useful. Meanwhile
we wish you a happy and trouble-free flying season!
FLY SAFE!
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