Capabilities and successes

Through the support of members and sponsors, Aerobility operates a mixed fleet of light aircraft; most being owned outright, with others on contract to suit demand. Our main training aircraft are Piper Warrior 161s, adapted so that they can be flown by people with disabilities, and our 'flagship' two seat aerobatic Bulldog. The sliding canopy of the Bulldog allows even severely disabled people to be hoisted into the cockpit, using our specially developed hoisting techniques, and electric robotic or manual hoists. We also have a PA32 Cherokee 6, a larger aircraft with more loading capacity which allows us to take larger wheelchairs, power-chairs and a hoist with us on our flights, so that we can operate away from our usual bases without having to bring equipment by road.

These specialised aeroplanes mean that Aerobility can provide trial flights and experience days for the disabled community, as well as Private Pilot's Licence training. Aircraft are also available for hire by qualified disabled members.

Last year through Aerobility 350 disabled people experienced trial instructed flights, 15 disabled people went solo and 5 completed either PPL or NPPL qualifications. These people had every conceivable disabling condition from spinal injury, amputation and multiple sclerosis through to learning and sensory disabilities. They ranged in age from 12 to 88 years old, and in background from school children to wounded service personnel.

Aerobility has operating bases at an increasing number of airfields in the UK: Our new headquarters at Blackbushe, Tatenhill, Goodwood and Caernarfon, and also operates from Prestwick in Scotland. Discussions are underway at a number of other sites.