My Aerobility experience flight in a PA28 was fantastic and I was buzzing for days afterwards. I was encouraged to apply for the scholarship, but given my concerns over eligibility for a pilots medical certificate I wanted to explore that first. An AME who is familiar with Aerobility reassured me and explained that although it could be a long process, I might gain a class 2 medical and that he believed rekindling my passion for flying would be instrumental in improving my mental health. I was awarded the scholarship and meanwhile pursued the medical. It took six months in order to change my medications, complete physical and psychiatric assessments and a medical flight test, until I was awarded my Class 2 medical on NYE. This meant I could progress to solo flying and aim towards gaining a PPL. Aerobility maintained their enthusiasm and encouragement throughout this time and I completed a number of training flights with an instructor. I was lucky to be awarded a second 5 hour scholarship to continue my progression.

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My first ever flight was in the RAF with a glider at Bicester in 1987, then I got hooked on flying. Unfortunately I had a Major Back operation, I could not continue my dream because the parachute restricted my movements as it caused too much strain on my back, So it put the Kibosh on that. My inspiration was through gliding. My first ever flight on a fixed wing was in 2005 at Goodwood after receiving a flying scholarship from FSD (Now called FSDP). At the same time I was introduced to BDFA which is now called Aerobility. I took the opportunity to fly and volunteer with Aerobility once or twice every year until now. My philosophy in life is no problems only solutions.

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