Project Propeller is looking for volunteer pilots

Project Propeller is an annual reunion for 150+ WWII aircrew, to which they are flown from all over the UK (including Blackbushe) in light aircraft by volunteer pilots. This year the event is being held at RAF Cosford.

For more information about the event visit http://www.projectpropeller.co.uk/2014/12/project-propeller-is-annual-reunion-for.html

If you are interested in donating your time on Saturday 30th May contact Len Omrsby at lenormsby@gmail.com

Aerobility flyer Simon Li achieves his Commercial Pilots Licence

What a milestone in my life.

I can remember my first flying lesson with Mike Owen four years ago at Lasham, and from not even knowing where the foot brakes were to now having a frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence has been an incredible journey.

I always wanted to be a pilot from a very young age, and still remember at First School making paper aeroplanes with winglets on. Having dyslexia I find it hard to read and write during learning and subsequently have periods of not feeling confident with myself. Having left school with average grades, I was told that with my dyslexia I could never be a pilot.

In 2007 I still wanted to be a Commercial Pilot so I started doing some research on how to achieve this goal, and after some thorough reading I found the modular route was best suited for me, as it is very flexible and allowed me to do the training at my own pace.

I started my PPL training in 2010 with Aerobility, and what an exciting time it was! I was only flying on Saturdays when the weather was good enough, if not I would be on the ground reading the PPL books. Doing my first solo was the best feeling in the world as I was fully in charge of the aircraft for the first time. Having gained my PPL in 2011, I went to Bristol Ground School for my ATPL theoretical course, consisting of 14 modules. The theory was not easy at all, I have to admit, and I had to do many hours of reading and self-study in order to pass all required modules. Determination was the key – I’d come this far and I wasn’t going to stop here!

After doing my ATPL theory I had to fulfil my hour-building criteria before starting the next phase of training. I needed 100 hours as pilot in command also a night rating, which I did at Aerobility HQ. The hour-building was very enjoyable on Saturdays and Sundays as I could simply get the map out and see where I wanted to go, even making two trips across the Channel to France! Flying at night is so different from daytime; the views are amazing and seeing the cities lit up made me realise what a great career lies ahead of me. For anyone who wants to experience flying I would say that must try a night flight if you get a chance.

For the final part of the training Mike Miller-Smith helped me get in contact with CTC Aviation to do the multi-engine (MEP) rating, instrument rating (IR) and commercial pilot license (CPL) through their CTC TAKEOFF course. This was another exciting time for me, learning how to fly a multi-engine aircraft with a glass cockpit. The training was intensive with lots new challenges. But with lots of hard work and coaching from my instructors I managed to get a first-time pass on my Instrument Rating, and soon afterwards I took my Commercial Pilot Licence skills test along with the Multi Engine Rating and I gained a first-series pass on the 23th of April.

The day I hold my Commercial Pilots Licence in my hand will be a day I will never forget for the rest of my life, having achieved a milestone to which I have dedicated 110% and have spent the last four years aspiring to. The journey has been a rollercoaster ride throughout, and I would like to thank Aerobility, Bristol Ground School, and of course CTC Aviation for the opportunities they have given me to achieve this. I have met many friends and mentors over the last couple of years which have helped me gain more confidence in myself and my abilities, and I would strongly advise those who are striving to achieve their dreams, whether it is pilot training or otherwise, to stay focused, believe in yourself, and to enjoy it at your own pace.

Onwards and upwards! Simon.

The Sky's the limit for Aspiring Pilot Programme students

Four Surrey Choices customers are flying high after completing a ‘life changing’ course that has seen them learn to pilot a plane.

Ashley Ruffle, Zoe Taylor, and Justin Munday, who all attend Surrey Choices’ Camberley Community Group, and Stephen Marlow, who attends its Farnham Community Group, took part in Aerobility’s first ever Aspiring Pilot Programme.

The four-week course included basic flight training lessons in an aircraft and in a simulator, alongside a series of short classroom-based lessons on aviation-related subjects.

It was funded and sponsored by the Aviation Club of the UK.

Ashley and Zoe, from Camberley, Justin, from Frimley, and Stephen, from Wrecclesham, will be presented with certificates on Thursday April 23, to mark their achievements.

The course content was written by Aerobility’s chief flying instructor, James Brown, who also delivered the course alongside fellow flying instructor Stuart Redman-Lusher.

 

Zoe, age 40, said she had enjoyed the course so much that she now wants to become a pilot. “I really enjoy it. I love being up there in the sky,” she added.

Ashley, age 46, said: “I enjoy it very much because I like going up flying.”

Aerobility chief executive, Mike Miller-Smith, said: “The Aspiring Pilot Programme was launched to give everybody the chance to participate in a structured yet accessible introduction to the world of flight.

“We approached Surrey Choices to help us launch the programme and the group of four customers that took part in our first course grabbed the opportunity with enthusiasm. I think they would agree that it has been a great success, good fun and they have picked up some useful skills and knowledge along the way.

“We have had two fantastic volunteers helping at each session - Mireille Fabre and Tony Birth. We also need to give credit to Blackbushe fire crew for their part in helping us to deliver one of the sessions.

“The Aspiring Pilot Programme and working with Surrey Choices is a great example of the interesting and unique opportunities now available to the disabled community. We are very pleased with the outcome.

“We must thank the members of the Aviation Club of the UK for their support in funding the first participants of the Aspiring Pilot Programme."

Surrey Choices managing director, Simon Laker, said the course had given the four an amazing opportunity. “It has been a brilliant opportunity for our customers. The sense of achievement and independence they have gained from taking part in the course has been really life-changing for them. We’re hoping to work with Aerobility again in the future to give more of our customers the opportunity to benefit from the experience.”

Aviation Experience Sessions

AEP Airfield Operations 3

This week the Aviation Education Programme looked at Airfield Operations and concentrated on Heathrow.  The group watched a short film about the beginnings of Heathrow Airport, then called London Airport, and learnt various facts and figures about the comings and goings at the airport today.  For example, the group learnt that Heathrow, being the busiest airport in the world, has 470,000 movements each year and 53,000,000 bags are placed in the hold of the aircraft each year. There are also 1,420.000 tons of cargo arriving and departing Heathrow every year.  The group then watched another video about baggage handling, which was very interesting. The session ended with a brief about the upcoming trip to Farnborough Airport, which should prove to be a fantastic day!

My Weeks Work Experience at Aerobility – By Lewis Francis

Today is my last day of work experience with Aerobility.  It is a shame because I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and would love to come back again in the near future. I would definitely recommend to anyone to volunteer or participate in work experience here as well.  It is a great way to meet new fantastic people and help others whilst having an absolutely amazing time.

Whilst working here I have discovered so much about others and learnt about their experiences in the army or participating in the activities Aerobility provide.

The work this charity does is truly mind blowing and it was incredible to join in with their work. The whole Aerobility team are very supportive and work together brilliantly as a team. I hope that anyone reading this will get to share my experiences and volunteer with Aerobility too.

Golf Day to raise money for Aerobility

Calling all golfers, 

You are invited to join the 2015 Farnham Weyside Rotary Annual Golf Day. 

This will take place on 18^th June 2015 at Hindhead Golf Club -

http://www.the-hindhead-golf-club.co.uk .  

The format of the day will be:

A shotgun start at 9:30 AM;

We will open registration at 08:15 and you will start the day with bacon rolls + tea/ coffee;

Yellow tees, full handicap and best 3 scores on each hole;

Lunch and prize giving will take place in the Clubhouse;

For the players who draw the holes a long way away from the clubhouse, do not despair, there is a route to drive your car to the starting hole!

To take part in this fantastic fundraising day the price for a team of four, including bacon rolls on arrival + tea or coffee, your round of golf at Hindhead and a two course served lunch will be £295 per team. 

We have tried to maintain the entry fee around the same level for the past 3 years. Members of Hindhead will pay a lower rate.

Robert Baird, the President of Farnham Weyside Rotary Club, wishes us to support two charities both aimed at helping people with learning and physical difficulties.

For more information and to book your place
 E-mail: bridie@areobility.com

Aviation Evenings - Sailability

Where?

Aerobility HQ, Blackbushe Airport

Date?
Wednesday 6^th May 2015

Time?

Arrival from 6.30pm
7pm start.

Through RYA Sailability over 40,000 young people and adults with disabilities are introduced to sailing per year, and many go on to sail on a regular basis.

Sailing is one of the very few sports in which able-bodied sailors and disabled sailors can participate on equal terms.There are over 170 Sailability groups around the UK that have a wide range of facilities including hoists, launching ramps and specially adapted changing rooms to ensure sailing accessibility to all.RYA Push the Boat Out Programme is all about people connecting with their local sailing club or provider and discovering just how easy it is to get involved in a fantastic social outdoor sport. RYA Push the Boat Out 2015 will take place from 09- 17 May.

If you or someone you know is interested in sailing then come along and join Sarah Cartwright on the 6^th May to hear more about the services that Sailabiltiy provide.

This a free event although we do ask for a small donation on the night for refreshments.

For more information or to book your place, please contact bridie@aerobility.com

Have Your Say 2015 - Aerobility Needs Your Vote!

Aerobility is in the running for this year’s Hart ‘Have Your Say’ campaign.  This is a Hampshire County Council initiative which aims to distribute small grants to community activities and groups and is based on a public vote.

If Aerobility are lucky enough to receive a grant then the funding will used for the Hype Family Flying Day. This is an inclusive Flying Day for five disabled children and their families from the Hart District.

 

The voting opens on Monday 20^th April and closes on Sunday 3^rd May 2015.

Aerobility needs your vote so please follow the link below. 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HaveYourSay2015

Thank you for your support.

The Aerobility Team.

Aerobility needs your support to sprint to 2015 London Marathon success!

Help us to help Paul to beat his target.
Together we can double it!   

Please donate now
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/flyingprop

Paul Yates, who works for Seager Publishing’s FLYER magazine
(a long-time supporter of Aerobility) has made the brave decision to commit to running the 2015 London for Aerobility which takes place on Sunday 26th April 2015.

Battle of Britain Bursary

The Battle of Britain Bursary is available to provide support to help you complete your pilot licence or additional rating and includes a VIP visit to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby.  

Perhaps you have started to learn to fly, have previously received a flying scholarship, short on funds or have been grounded for a while and need some more hours to finish your licence. If so, apply for the Battle of Britain Bursary to get back in the air with Aerobility. Our friends from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be making the final selection. 

Many thanks to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and TRMG for making this possible. 

If you would like more information please contact info@aerobility.com

Aerobility needs your support to sprint to 2015 London Marathon success! Help us to help Paul to beat his target. Together we can double it!

Paul Yates, who works for Seager Publishing’s FLYER magazine (a long-time supporter of Aerobility) has made the brave decision to commit to running the 2015 London for Aerobility which takes place in less than three weeks time.

“Please support Paul and Aerobility in our first ever official London marathon place. Finding sufficient funds to meet demand is tough . Every pound pledged makes a real difference. I have just sponsored Paul, I'm hoping you will do the same. Let’s help Paul to smash his £1500 fundraising target!" – Mike Miller-Smith at Aerobility.

During his training Paul has abstained from alcohol for a whole year (even during the Six Nations!) and has overcome an injured knee, in order to complete the Bath, Chippenham and Reading Half Marathon as well as the Tarka Trail in preparation for the big event on April 26th. 

Paul commented “I took up running a few years ago after finally hanging up the rugby boots. Given I'm built for comfort rather than speed or distance, I can't say that I'll be doing too many full marathons, so I wanted to choose the big one, the London marathon, and also use this personal goal to make a difference to a charity that makes a real difference to people's lives."

Paul is just over half way towards his target and with the race in less than 3 weeks we need your support. So if you think Pauls dedicated training or abstinence from alcohol deserves a donation or you simply want to support Aerobility please visit Pauls fundraising page and make a donation http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/flyingprop

By making a donation, no matter how small you will be you are helping to ensure Aerobility can continue their great work and change people's lives!