Another first!

Andrew Taylor  after his first solo

Congratulations to Aerobility Tatenhill student Andrew Taylor on a very nicely flown first solo. After just 8 hours of training with instructor Craig Knott, Andrew achieved a nice smooth landing which was witnessed by his parents.

Enjoy the rest of your training towards getting your pilots license.

Andrew represents an additional first, Aerobility's first ever solo pilot with ASD – Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Mike at the Palace

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, patron of The Air League, recently hosted the League’s Annual Reception at St James’s Palace.

During the reception Aerobility CEO Mike Miller-Smith was presented with a Framed Address in recognition of his tremendous work in the field of Flying for the Disabled.

Congratulations from us all Mike, well deserved.

Red Arrows Support Aerobility

The Red Arrows Charitable Trust have supported Aerobility with a very generous donation for which we are extremely grateful.

The presentation was made back in August at RAF Scampton in the presence of all the Red Arrows pilots including Flt Lt Jon Egging who died tragically only a few weeks later. Whilst very happy to receive the ‘Reds’ support our thoughts are very much with Flt Lt Egging’s family at this sad time.

FSD Students Complete a Triumphant Time with Aerobility – Both Fly Solo

Flying Scholarships for the Disabled (FSD) scholars Dave Conway and Sean Allerton have completed their intensive four weeks training with Aerobility based at Lasham.

The final full day of flying was triumphant with a first solo flight by Sean that was a truly fitting end to their time with us. Says Sean: “I’m proud, chuffed and astounded - all at once. Just give me time to descend from my high”. Happy to oblige Sean!

Aerobility adds its congratulations for your achievement. We are certainly proud of the success Sean and Dave have both had. Your hard work has paid off, and you are both well on your way to a PPL. We wish you well as you return home for a well earned rest.




Pictures from the top:

• FSD Director Sue Whitby and Aerobility instructor James Brown with our duo
• Dave & Sean meet up with Aerobility CEO Mike Miller-Smith
• Fresh from his first solo, Sean poses alongside Yankee Yankee

Aerobility Challenge VAT liability of Adapted Aircraft.

Aerobility recently attended a Tribunal in London to challenge the decision by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that Aircraft adapted for piloting by disabled people are liable for VAT on both purchase and subsequent maintenance, unlike other vehicles such as disability modified cars and boats.

Over a two day period, CEO Mike Miller-Smith and Coordinator Brian Catchpoole both gave testimony to the Tribunal. We are most grateful to our solicitor Ingrid Gubbay and counsel Kieron Beal, who both gave of their time and considerable knowledge and expertise on a pro bono basis. The Judge reserved his decision and we expect to hear the result in around two months time.

The hearing was not without its more bizarre moments, when a wheelchair lift failure on day one found Brian trapped inside the court and Mike on the outside. With true British pragmatism, the tribunal adjourned to the corridor and Mike gave his testimony in a space no more than 4 foot square, accompanied by the sound of the adjacent lifts recorded message of “going up”. Day two of the hearing was moved to a more accessible venue and was perhaps somewhat more tranquil.

Pictured are Mike and Brian with our legal team Ingrid Gubbay and Simon Latham

Surprise Flight for visitor Tom

To help decide if they can access our facilities and aircraft we are always happy to show people around in advance. Recently Kieran Thomas (AKA Tom) accompanied by a couple of support workers, visited us at Lasham and was shown around by Instructor James Brown. All went well, in fact so well Tom was able to take advantage of a rare gap in the flying schedule and turn his visit into a full Trial Flight.

Support worker Jillian Hearn who accompanied Tom, tells us it was a “wonderful lifetime experience” for him.

We were happy to facilitate your flight Tom, all in a day’s work for the Aerobility team.

First Solo for Aerobility Student

Aerobility student Dave Conway has joined the elite band of people who have successfully piloted an aircraft on their own. Dave, who is sponsored by FSD, quipped "now I can take the stabilisers off". His Instructor, Mike Owen says "he did a really good job". Congratulations from all at Aerobility, we look forward to you gaining your licence in the near future.

Another Aerobility Pilot

Congratulations to Battle Back sponsored student Billy Sewel; who recently passed his Skills Test at Tatenhill.

Billy, started training with Aerobility around March of this year, and received his initial training in a block “Battle Back “ week. A great achievement, and we wish Billy well with his future flying that rumour has it, may include helicopters.

Pictured are (from the left) examiner Craig Knott, Instructor Mike Owen and Billy

Win tickets to the fantastic Goodwood Revival!

Goodwood  Revival  Sunday 18^th September

http://www.goodwood.co.uk/revival/welcome.aspx

Aerobility have secured two tickets, with a total value of £108, for this fantastic event and are making them available to premium members in this great competition.  Just answer the following three questions  and email brian@aerobility.com before 12:00 this Thursday 15^th. 

The first correct entry out of the hat will receive two tickets. Please make sure you are free to attend, they are for the use of the winning member and one guest. Tickets will need to be collected from Lasham or can be posted 1^st class on Friday.

Which Air Force gifted Aerobility our flagship Scottish Aviation Bulldog?

If two aircraft are approaching head on which way should they turn to avoid a collision?

What squawk should you enter on your transponder if you experience radio failure?

Good luck!

Amsterdam Marathon

Talking of marathons, Lasham Gliding Society member Jim Prichard and his family are participating in the Amsterdam Marathon on 16 October, and the good news is that they are kindly fundraising for Aerobility.

Jim writes:
"I bet that many of you are in awe of the courage of the disabled pilots at Lasham and the dedication of their instructors, and feel just a little bit like you ought to contribute somehow. Well this is your opportunity folks, just open the following link and release a chunk of money from your bank accounts! http://www.justgiving.com/jim-pritchard

Please do it straight away so that I don't have to email you all individually, I need all the time that's remaining before the 16th October o get my aged body into a condition that will take me to the finishing line of the Amsterdam Marathon.

Cheers
Jim Pritchard"

It is a great initiative Jim and we wish you the best of luck. Please everyone lets the spread the word and make the most of this great opportunity.

London Marathon call to arms

Are you looking for a Challenge for next year?

Do you want to increase your fitness and your self esteem?

Are you a Runner needing a bigger goal?

We are hoping to put together a Small Team to run the 2012 London Marathon.

We would love to hear from any member who might be looking for an exciting opportunity to get involved and raise some money for our fantastic charity

Each runner would need to raise a minimum pledge but we can help with fundraising ideas. We hope to announce the team at the coming Aviators Ball which is sure to raise some interest and some sponsorship!

Time is of the essence, this opportunity has only just been offered and we need to let them know before October.

If you are interested and want to find out more, please get in touch or email Shona on shona_bowman@btinternet.com

Charity Dinner Dance

Click here for more information