“Ecstatic!” is how Andy from Grantham describes his reaction to being awarded a scholarship with Aerobility. He goes on to say…

“I have always had a passion for anything to do with aviation, from the sound and look of modern-day jets, to the inner workings, engineering and physics involved in keeping a plane in the sky.”

Andy was paralysed six years ago, aged 29 in a motorbike accident and has found his new “limited lifestyle” very difficult to adapt to.

“Since I became paralysed, I have rarely been able to do anything to the full extent, I struggle to open the lid on a milk carton and struggle to put my phone on charge, so, being able to do almost everything in a cockpit is not only a real confidence boost, but also a real surprise and relief to me.

“The emotions and feelings I get from flying are something I haven’t experienced since riding a motorbike. I was very nervous at first and didn’t expect to be able to contribute much in terms of controlling the plane, however, the scholarship has given me something to study toward and look forward to each week.

“It has also proven that my fear of not being able to fly the plane was completely unnecessary. I have been able to do everything, apart from switching between the fuel tanks in the wings and administering the 3rd and final stage of flaps.

“I have ignited an urge to continue flying and hopefully working towards achieving a Private Pilot Licence."

Andy has been flying from our base at Tatenhill Airfield in Staffordshire with Aerobility Deputy Chief Flying Instructor, Andreas Bakolis.

“I have met two great guys while flying from Tatenhill. My pilot and instructor, Andreas, has been superb. He is calm and patient and explains the complicated side of things in an easy-to-follow manner - a great instructor.

“I have also met Kevin, an Aerobility volunteer, who has helped me into the plane every time by assisting Andreas with the hoist.

“I did have concerns about my physical abilities, strength and dexterity when flying, however, I worried for no reason, as I could do most things in the cockpit, despite only having limited finger function and not having the use of my core muscles.

“I do also suffer from motion and travel sickness; therefore, I was a little terrified of seeing my lunch for the second time, but thankfully, this fear was also unfounded!”.

Andy sums up his experience: “As soon as I saw the scholarship advertised, I knew that a door was now open to me which would not have been, had I not been disabled and not known about Aerobility.”