Pictures from the Mobility Roadshow

Stop Press –The Aerobility stand is stealing the show, the simulator and the balloon basket are certainly attracting the crowds with lots of subsequent trial flight and membership interest.

Watch the slideshow..

Aerobility exhibits at The Mobility Roadshow

Aerobility is delighted to be appearing as an exhibitor at The Mobility Roadshow.

The Mobility Roadshow (www.mobilityroadshow.co.uk) held at the East of England Showground in Peterborough on the 30^th June, 1^st and 2^nd July is a showcase of mobility and lifestyle products and services. The event is organised by the registered charity Mobility Choice which was established in February 1998 by the Department of Transport.

The aim of The Mobility Roadshow is to give anyone with a mobility problem - drivers, passengers, adults and children- the chance to see what is available to help solve that problem and most importantly to try out and evaluate the options. Exhibitors include many of the major motor manufacturers, plus vehicle adaptation and conversion specialists, mobility aids manufacturers, information and advice services, charities, mobile insurance specialists, clothing companies, plus sports, travel and leisure options.

Visitors to the Aerobility stand in the main hall will be able to try for themselves two exciting developments:

• Flight Simulator

For the first time, Aerobility, in conjunction with the Virtual Flight Centre, will be providing a full flight simulator enabling people to get a feel for what it is really like to fly one of Aerobility’s aircraft. Any visitor who can transfer to the cockpit will be able to try their hand at ‘Flying’ a Piper PA28. The simulator will be complete with a hand control for those not able to use their legs. A transfer board and hoist will be available to assist access if required.

• Accessible Balloon Basket

In the near future, Aerobility hope to be providing, what for them, is a completely new venture; Hot Air Ballooning. Our friends at Lindstrand Balloons have made available their Panoramic Basket especially designed to take wheelchair users and allow them an unparallel view through special Perspex sides. Visitors to the Aerobility stand can try the basket for size; let us know their views, and register their interest.

Mike Miller-Smith, CEO of Aerobility said:

“Aerobility has chosen The Mobility Roadshow to announce that it will shortly be operating an additional aircraft which can carry heavier disability equipment such as electric wheelchairs and a portable hoist. This gives every participant, whatever their disability, the chance to fly to new destinations and participate fully in touring flights alongside other more physically able aviators.”

Aerobility at AeroExpo 2011

AeroExpo 2011

Click the picture to go to the gallery. Many thanks to all the volunteers that made our attendance at AeroExpo last weekend possible. The three days went very well despite the inclement weather and visitors enjoyed trying the simulator with the hand control and learning about what we do. We made some great new contacts and of course caught up with friends and fellow exhibitors.

Particular thanks to 2Excel Aviation who kindly allowed us to use their fantastic hangar as "Aerobility Centre", Julie and her gate team, Kevin from Flightdeck Technology and last but not least to the Young Cornish Crew who worked like Trojans throughout. 30 Aerobility members took part and had fun.

You will have seen the pictures of Wilbur the Aerobility mascot.. he took the place by storm and we can't wait to let him out of his cage again soon!

Wilbur the Aerobility Flying Bear causes havoc at AeroExpo !

Click here to see more of his exploits!

Sneak peek – all will be revealed soon!

Image credits www.flightbox.net

Trial flight demand keeps on coming.. 150+ already this year

A very happy Dominic Hyams accompanied by sister Holly after recently completing an Aerobility trial flight with our friends at Cranfield, TA Aviation.

AeroExpo Festival of Aviation chooses to support Aerobility

London, Wednesday 15^th June 2011

Aerobility www.aerobility.com, the British charity that facilitates light aviation for disabled and profoundly ill adults and children has been selected as the chosen charity for AeroExpo 2011 – the UK’s festival of Aviation.

AeroExpo UK (www.expo.aero/uk ) will take place at Sywell Aerodrome in Northampton between the 17^th -19^th June. Aimed at pilots and all those interested in flying, AeroExpo UK is the dedicated General Aviation exhibition in 2011, showcasing everything from ultra lights through to turbo props and jets.

The Aerobility mascot Wilbur the Flying Bear will be manning the Aerobility stand and he will be available for photos with children as they experience the inside of an Aerobility aircraft. The Aerobility professional simulator will also be available allowing visitors to have a go at a unique flying challenge of trying to maneuver a modified aircraft to a safe landing. Free five-minute professional shoulder massages will also be offered on the Aerobility stand.

Mike Miller-Smith, CEO of Aerobility said:

"Aerobility is thrilled to be the chosen charity of AeroExpo UK 2011 allowing us to showcase our activities to the aviation community. This year’s Festival of Aviation is a groundbreaking event allowing visitors to shop for the latest flying gadgets, test fly aircraft, join aviation seminars and watch air displays from some of Europe’s best aerial acts. One of the highlight includes the first air display outings for the RAF Chinook helicopter anywhere for two years. The Aerobility team are proud to support our friends and be a part of AeroExpo UK.”

Paddy Casey, Show Director of AeroExpo UK, commented:

“AeroExpo UK are proud to continue our long association with Aerobility as our chosen charity.
This year is the sixth year since we held the first event, and the first at our new home at Sywell Aerodrome.”

Alex Ayling, Show Co-ordinator, AeroExpo UK, commented:

“The Aerobility stand looks to be one of the must do parts of our event. We are encouraging everyone to stop by and learn about the important work of Aerobility, a charity which is very close to our hearts.”

Tatenhill Sunshine

Battle Back student pilot Craig Gadd displays the Aerobility logo on G-TALH at Tatenhill. Craig, who only started flying with us this week, is thoroughly enjoying his intensive week of tuition and making the most of the glorious flying weather.

Soldier mechanic takes to the skies

Congratulations on a well-deserved first solo. Dave has been with Aerobility at Lasham for the last week taking part in a Battle Back intensive flight training course. Aerobility instructor James Brown comments "Dave did a really nice job".

We will get Dave's feedback and report back here.

Aerobility Aims to Raise £300,000 through New Allia Charitable Bonds Scheme

Allia is a charitable investment service supporting causes that give people a better future. Its charitable bonds offer a unique way of investing securely for a social profit.

Through the investment scheme, Aerobility hopes to raise funds to create a community space for disabled people

London, 19^th May 2011

Aerobility www.aerobility.com, the British charity that facilitates light aviation for disabled and profoundly ill adults and children has announced that has teamed up with charitable investment service Allia www.allia.org.uk to offer a unique new way to raise money for charity.

Through its charitable bonds, Allia will enable those looking to support Aerobility to invest securely and benefit the charity. The system is very simple, an individual invests in a bond in support of Aerobility and Allia lends part of this money to an AA rated social housing provider. A fraction is taken for costs and the rest is given straight to Aerobility as a tax-free gift. After five years, the housing provider repays the loan with interest and Allia returns the initial investment to the kind supporter of Aerobility at the interest rate they choose.

Aerobility is aiming to raise around £300,000 in order to create the ‘Aerobility Centre’, a groundbreaking community space that will provide the charity with offices, a classroom, a flight simulator and disabled accessible accommodation. As learning to fly is best done intensively, this facility would allow Aerobility to offer exciting residential courses and holidays for disabled people based around the challenge of flying. The centre would also be available to the local disabled community for meetings and activities.

Mike Miller-Smith, CEO of Aerobility said:

"As a small but rapidly growing charity it is important that we explore fundraising from multiple sources to ensure security and the reliable delivery of projects in the future, it was during this process we came across Allia. We were immediately impressed by the simplicity and clarity of their approach to this innovative fundraising method where truly there are no losers. We desperately need a centre for our operations and with Allia helping us to raise funds I think we can get there sooner."

Phil Caroe, Chief Operating Officer of Allia added:

“Our mission is help unlock funding for causes that are giving people a better future, so we’re delighted to be supporting Aerobility. For anyone whose savings are currently making a profit for their bank, Allia’s charitable bonds offer a unique ethical alternative: keep your money just as safe and give the profit to a great charity instead.”

First solo for Pauline and first solo for Aerobility at Prestwick

Congratulations Pauline!

On the evening of 23^rd April 2011, after completing 5 circuits with instructor Stewart Houston in perfect conditions, complete with a very poetic sunset at Prestwick Airport, Pauline Gallagher flew her first solo flight. Pauline wishes to thank Nick Sibley and Stewart Houston who took the time to help her work towards this milestone, and everyone who has been cheering from the sidelines, especially those at Aerobility and Flying Scholarships for the Disabled. Now then… a PPL?

Robohoist ready for the season ahead

Long term friend and supporter of Aerobility Andy Snowdon recently travelled down south from Sterling to give our electric hoist its annual service and load test.

We are pleased to say that it passed with flying colours and will soon be back ‘on the line’ providing hoisting support for those that need it out of Lasham and other venues throughout the country.

We particularly thank Andy for the modifications he carried out to make the hoist even more reliable and useful in this important members service.