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

Handiflight Switzerland

Unfortunately the weather in Switzerland last week was not great and we were unable to fly our aircraft over to Gruyere as planned. Mike Miller-Smith and Roger Dickson took part by road and Trish Amess was able to find a commercial flight. Despite the lack of flying it was great to catch up with our European friends. In addition this year we were lucky enough to get to know some of the new invited country representatives such as USA, Australia, New Zealand, Poland and Sweden. It was also great to see our fellow UK representatives from Walking on Air with gliding instructor and Aerobility member Steve Derwin.

Highlights included the meeting with the FAI General Secretary and developing the beginnings of a global information network for disabled aviators. Jet Man Yves Rossy thrilled as he talked us through the development and what it is like to fly his incredible jet powered wing.

Thanks as ever to Daniel and Sarah Ramseier for their tireless and effective organisation, to the Aero club of Gruyere and to all the volunteers and sponsors including the event's main supporter Breitling. Roll on July 2013!

Aerobility Office Closure 17th July – 24th July

Aerobility will be represented at the Fourth International Disabled Pilots Fly-In to be held in Gruyere Switzerland. As a result, the office will be closed for the period 17th to 24th July. We hope to be on top of outstanding issues before we close, but invariably there will be short delays in our response for the next week, for which we apologise. Rest assured we will work hard to clear any backlog as soon as we can after the 24th. For those flying during this week, any last minute changes will be communicated to you direct by your instructor.

Thank you for your understanding.

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.”