Flying students reach for the sky
PEOPLE REALISE DREAMS
HAVE you ever wanted to learn to fly but thought your disability would stop you from realising your dream?
Aerobility, which flies out of Blackbushe Airport, near Yateley, can possibly help and has opened applications for this year’s flying scholarships.
The disabled aviation charity says it changes lives by allowing anyone, with any disability, to experience the magic and wonder of flight by providing access to modified light aircraft and equipment, “giving every disabled person the unique chance to spread their wings”.
Aerobility scholarships are grants that enable anyone with any disability to start to learn to fly, irrespective of their background.
This is one of the ways the charity removes the financial, as well as the physical, barriers to accessing aviation.
Ann-Marie, who is diagnosed with
ADHD and autism, completed a flying scholarship with Aerobility last year.
When she found out her application had been successful, she said: “It was the best feeling in the world.
I’ve realised I’m happiest when I’m flying.”
Malky, 33, from London, who has early onset generalised dystonia – a condition characterised by involuntary contraction of the muscles, tremors and other uncontrolled movements, said: “The feeling you get when you are able to control an aircraft and fly in a life which you don’t always have much control over is priceless.”
Despite being a wheelchair user, Malky completed a flying scholarship with Aerobility last year.
The charity’s chief executive, Mike Miller-Smith, said: “It is truly inspiring to hear how our flying scholarships have been able to transform the lives of people like Ann-Marie and Malky.
“Their stories embody Aerobility’s mission to provide opportunities for disabled people to discover their full potential.
“Through our scholarships, we aim to break down barriers and empower people with disabilities to realise their capabilities.
“As we open our scholarship applications for another year, we look forward to welcoming more individuals into the Aerobility family and witnessing the magic of flight changing lives.”
Anyone with a disability can apply for a scholarship, even people who have no previous flying experience. Applications close at 4pm on Friday April 12.
Apply now at aerobility.com/ scholarships