Aerobility were delighted to fly Derek Carpenter recently when he visited the Imperial War Museum at Duxford after winning a competion run by Gowrings Mobility. 64 year old Derek didn't let his disability stop him from taking to the skies and piloting a plane with Aerobility Instructor James Brown.He said: “No sooner had we climbed to a thousand feet and the pilot James said to me, ‘The controls are yours Derek…’.
“What an experience, what joy. We flew near to where we live, Haverhill.
“All the time I was completing turns, climbing, descending, having a Ball.
“All too soon we turned back to Duxford, passengers comfortable, me buzzing.
“James asked me to hold the controls whilst he landed which I have to say was very exhilarating, then he let me taxi back to the hanger.
“It does not really matter what disability you have, with human spirit and determination obstacles can be overcome.
“You must try this, flying is freedom, and it empowers you.”
Derek, who has Prostate Cancer, type 2 diabetes and poor mobility, is involved with Cambridge Cancer Help Centre.
It was while researching some information about a wheelchair accessible vehicle for someone else at the centre that he heard about the competition.
He enjoyed an exhilarating and inspiring flight in Aerobility’s 4 seater plane.
His wife Rosemary and Ted Sage, the chairman of the trustees for the Cambridge Cancer Help Centre were his passengers.
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