March 16, 2011

Alex Krol passes JAR PPL

Former FSD scholar Alex Krol who previously went solo in South Africa has completed his JAR PPL with Aerobility at Tatenhill on Monday.

The examiner was impressed by his airmanship. Keep up the good work Alex, and we look forward to hearing about your aerial adventures.

As an aside thanks are due to Leicester and Gloucester airports for their support of disabled people on arrival and departure. Alex visited both on his solo cross-country.

March 08, 2011

Congratulations Simon! – First solo of 2011

Aerobility student Simon Li went solo at Blackbushe on Saturday 5 March.

Instructor Mike Owen said "Simon was ready to go solo a few weeks ago but the weather delayed us for a while. The solo flight was good - landing looked great; Blackbushe ATC reported no problems. I think Simon's photo says the rest!"

Simon tells us "In the practice circuit it wasn't going to plan, I was all over the place because I hadn't done a circuit for a while. After landing for a de-brief with Mike, I put myself together and flew 3 good circuits.

Then Mike give me the ok to go Solo. I put myself together and remember all my training from Mike. When I lined up for take off I was so happy that I was doing a solo flight all on my own. Once I got take off it was so amazing and I fully enjoyed myself. It's a day that I will always remember."

Keep up the good work Simon.


February 28, 2011

Heli Air’s R66 Launch Party Raises £500+ to Help Aerobility





Aerobility has received a donation of over £500 from Heli Air www.heliair.com, the UK’s leading authorised distributor of Robinson Helicopters. Heli Air recently held a launch party for the Robinson R66 Helicopter, raffling a seat in its first demo flight to raise money in support of Aerobility.

Heli Air’s R66 launch event took place on 19th February at the company’s Wycombe Air Park centre and was attended by around 1,000 aviation industry professionals and enthusiasts.

The weather was typical for February in the UK, cold and wet, however the atmosphere inside the hangar was certainly warm and much fun was had by all as the great food and wine was enjoyed whilst listening to a great band "Licensed to Swing". Being part of the unveiling was a real thrill, and for Aerobility to be mentioned in the launch speech was a real privilege.

MD Sean Brown gave a great demonstration of the capabilities of the helicopter, quite a feat considering the weather. It certainly is a very impressive machine, noticeably quieter and more powerful than the R44.

Thanks once again to all at Heli Air.

February 10, 2011

Simon completes his PPL


Aerobility member Simon Crane has recently completed his PPL. Heartfelt congratulations from all of us at Aerobility.

"Being awarded a Scholarship to 43 Air School, South Africa in 2009 started a life long ambition to become a qualified pilot and it was without doubt a fantastic life experience. Unfortunately I was unable to get a medical whilst there and returned with 40 hrs and no solo but a burning desire to get a licence.

I can't thank Aerobility enough for giving me the chance to finish what I started in 2009. The flying Instruction given by Mike Owen at Lasham and Craig Knott at Tatenhill has been nothing short of superb. I don't think this less than natural pilot would have succeded in getting a licence without their time dedication.

Thank-You so much."

February 08, 2011

Aerobility on BBC Radio Sussex

Aerobility Chief Executive Mike Miller-Smith joined the BBC Radio Sussex Breakfast Show this morning, talking about Aerobility and its new Goodwood operation. Mike also took part in Breakfast Show DJ Neil Pringle's topical quiz, and by sheer guesswork beat the other player :-)

The show is available on listen again through BBC iPlayer, with Aerobility appearing in the last 20 min.

Tatenhill Bulldog Fortnight


We are pleased to announce that Aerobility’s flagship Bulldog, G-DISA is to be based at Tatenhill for two weeks between 25th April and the 9th May. We are hoping that there will be a large take up of members wishing to experience the thrill of piloting this exciting aircraft. On selected bookings, there will be the opportunity to experience and fly Aerobatics, so this is truly something not to be missed, and a great start to your summer flying.

Due to Aerobility’s equal opportunities policy, and so as not to put pilots who can only use the Bulldog at a disadvantage, members are charged exactly the same to fly G-DISA as to fly a PA-28. That’s right, you can fly this aircraft for the same price as a regular Warrior or Archer, it’s a bargain like you will find nowhere else, take advantage while it lasts.

As usual, booking should be made via coordinator Brian or direct with Craig at Tatenhill, but beware, we expect a lot of interest from our members, get your booking in as soon as you can.

It's all go at Tatenhill


Despite the weather, Tatenhill has had some really memorable moments in the last week or so.

Firstly congratulations to Simon Crane who completed his NPPL at the weekend. We look forward to a photograph and a report from Simon on the blog soon.

Also, we received a nice note and photograph from John Weston who recently completed his PPL at Tatenhill.

"I thought you might like to see this photograph taken of my wife as she became the first passenger I have flown with since my PPL qualification.

I think it's nice to inspire confidence on your passenger, don't you think?

Actually the photograph was taken after we had landed after a short local flight on Sunday. My wife said she had a great time.

Thank you Aerobility for helping to make it happen."

January 28, 2011

Aerobility Concession at Compton Abbas (EGHA)


Aerobility members flying Aerobility aircraft (see list below) are automatically honorary members of the Compton Abbas airfield. As such, members pay a concessionary Landing Fee of just £6.

The Airfield is set in delightful countryside with superb views and a great restaurant (not to mention an accessible toilet). Why not give it a try this year?

Strict PPR, and please mention Aerobility membership when phoning. Aerobility members can use the designated pilots parking area marked on the map, but please park East – West to protect patio and signal square from prop wash. Click the map to expand.

G-DISA

Scottish Aviation Bulldog 120

G-BSYY

Piper PA-28 Warrior II 161

G-BRFM

Piper PA-28 Warrior II 161

G-TALH

Piper PA-28 Archer II 181

G-TALG

Piper PA-28 Warrior II 151

January 26, 2011

Bulldog certainly looks the part!


The Bulldog has just been emblazoned with its new Aerobility colour scheme. I think you'll agree it looks great. All our aircraft are now resplendent in our Aerobility scheme. As ever, click the image for the large version.

The Bulldog Trust have kindly agreed to help support the running of the Bulldog for the next three years.

Article written by the parents of a young man with Muscular Dystrophy


This article recently appeared in the Portsmouth City Council Aiming High newsletter. Click the article to make it bigger.


January 19, 2011

Introducing Goodwood Operations




Goodwood Airfield near Chichester in Sussex is known as being an efficient and friendly airfield to visit. We have got to know the guys there quite well over the last year or so as our aircraft are maintained by Goodwood Engineering and we occasionally visit for cross-country and circuit training.

We have been invited by Lord March and his management team to begin Aerobility operations from the airfield. This is an exciting new chapter for Aerobility as we gain additional geographic coverage, and the use of a great airfield with fantastic facilities. We are looking to add our own briefing space and also nearby low cost accessible accommodation. The Goodwood Estate is a lovely place to be with great facilities and other interesting activities taking place all the time.

We are pleased to announce that from Saturday 29 January we will be operating one of the Warriors from Goodwood. To begin with the availability will be Saturdays only, however we are looking to scale up the operation to meet demand and if the initial operations prove successful. Bookings as normal are through Brian Catchpoole. It would be useful if as many of you as possible made use of Goodwood, try it out and let us know your feedback and views.

Photos by Aerobility member Alessandro Paleri