Aerobility Flying Day at Sleap

 

Aerobility were pleased to welcome patients from the Physiotherapy department at The Robert Jones and Angnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, to a day of Flying at Sleap airfield on the 4th October.

Flight instructors Craig Knott and Mark Edworthy reported an enthusiastic group, who by all accounts had a great day. To quote physiotherapist Kate Betts "Perceptions and lives were changed on the day and patients who were unable to attend were inspired by the patients talking about their flying experience ".

Aerobility were glad to assist, and look forward to organising further days next year. Thanks go to Shropshire Aero Club for waiving landing fees on the day.

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FSDP Scholars at Blackbushe

Aerobility have just finished hosting Flying Scholarship’s for Disabled People (FSDP) two scholars Sylvia Wheeler and Mary Doyle. They were awarded twenty hours of tuition, and have spent the last three weeks learning to fly with us here at Blackbushe. Both ladies showed great promise and we hope they had a good time with us, Aerobility certainly enjoyed providing their instruction.

Mary decided to spend some extra time with us once she had completed her quota, and was rewarded for her extra effort with a first solo on her last day. Instructor Mike Owen takes up the story:

On the last day of Marys 3 week scholarship the wind changed so that runway 07R was in use – all her previous circuit training was on 25L. So Mary was initially thrown off her previous day’s excellent circuit standard by the new right hand view, but soon got into it.

After a good morning's work we had one last check circuit which went well. Then Mary was happy to try so off she went.

View from the tower was that she did a great circuit and a good landing. The photo shows her smile - well done Mary - congratulations.

And so say all of us, we look forward to welcoming you back to complete your PPL.

Aerobility Ballooning Weekend at Enham Alamein

Aerobility recently held its first Ballooning Weekend, and thanks to some reasonable weather it was considered a great success. In all, five flights were completed, in what is known as a ‘duo chair’. Everyone joined in for some early starts and much was learnt. Unfortunately, the wind was a little too strong for some planned tethered flights, but that didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. We now feel that the concept of teaching disabled people to fly has been proven, so the next step is to secure funding for next year.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Brian Jones and the crews for donating their time and equipment, and to Chandra McGowan and the staff at Enham who ensured that the accommodation and food was delivered in an efficient and friendly manner. What a great atmosphere (not forgetting the specially backed cake).

The last word goes to participant flyer Graham Mann “It has certainly boosted my self-confidence, as I feel like I can take on the World now.”

Nathan Does It

STOP PRESS - STOP PRESS - STOP PRESS - STOP PRESS

Aerobility congratulates Nathan Doidge who today passed his General Skills Test and can now call himself a Pilot. A fantastic achievment for Nathan, with a little assistance from Instructor Mike Owen. A proud day for Nathan and Aerobility.

Mine's a pint Nathan

Avionews talks about Aerobility

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Aerobility now working with Boeing and The Air League to support wounded soldiers

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Sir Roger Bone President Boeing UK and Sir Brian Burridge Chairman of The Air League with David Rawlins and Mike Miller-Smith from Aerobility at the recent Farnborough Airshow

Gloucestershire Airport Annual Charity Open Day

Wilbur and Dave make friends

Gloucestershire Airport held their Annual Charity Open Day last Sunday and Aerobility were among the chosen beneficiaries. Despite poor weather early morning that precluded flying an aircraft in, the weather improved as the day progressed and resulted in a great day out for the thousands of visitors.

Aerobility were happy to man a stand to introduce ourselves to members of the public. Our mascot Wilbur the bear hid in the boot of the car for the journey to Gloucester, determined to help with fundraising but he proved a great success with the children so was forgiven for being a stowaway

Thanks to all the staff at Gloucester for your continuing support, we always enjoy a warm welcome when we visit.

Mobility Roadshow Success

Much Interest in our new portable Simulator

Wheelchair  access to the Simulator was enjoyed by many

Future Pilots had a good time

Actress Julie Fernandez tries out our simulator

Mobility Choice Executive Director Jacqui Jones picks the winner of the Raffle

Mobility Roadshow Success

The Mobility Road Show was a great success, enabling us to meet hundreds of disabled people and extol the virtues of flying. To many, it was a revelation that flying was a real possibility for them and we were more than happy to be the giver of good news. We look forward to welcoming our new contacts to Aerobility over the coming months.

Throughout the three days we ran a raffle, and the lucky winner was drawn by Mobility Choice Executive Director Jacqui Jones at the end of the show. Congratulation to winner Mr Duffy, who lives in Buckinghamshire.

Mobility Roadshow 21st - 23rd June

The Aerobility stand at the Mobility Roadshow in Peterborough is now set up and ready for a a busy three days. If you are visiting, pop over and say hello.

Congratulations Monty

Many Congratulations to  Steven "Monty" Monteith  who passed his JAA PPL skills test on Wednesday this week......

Monty outside Aerobility HQ standing by our PA-28-161 Warrior, G-BRFM.

Monty, one of our Battleback students, started flying with Aerobility last November, made his first solo flight in February and has shown great commitment and skill as he worked through the course. Not many people can say they got 100% in Air Law..... and his flying is OK too.

Well done Monty!

Monty with his Examiner, Scott Camber

Monty with his Instructor, James

Back In Time to D-Day

Instructor Mike Owen and member Nathan Doidge where taken back in time today when they landed at Lee-on-Solent. This Dakota (DC3) in full D-Day livery was about to deliver a clutch of parachutists to France. Rumours that Nathan offered to join them have not been confirmed.