Rachel Chambers, one of our members
Last year, Adam and I went to the Nedix exhibition at the NEC, the purpose was to find a new mobility car. This was somewhat successful but what was very successful was to be introduced to Aerobility , a charity organisation which operates out of Blackbushe airport in Camberley and its only purpose is to give disabled people the opportunity to fly a light aircraft by themselves.
So I seized the opportunity and took my first flight in January. The whole process was faultless, Everyone involved was extremely helpful and nothing was too much trouble. After a brief safety chat, I was then hoisted into the plane whilst Adam sat at the back.
Steve the instructor was so kind and easy to talk to, he asked as what direction we would like to fly to. Sadly Woking and Guildford have been taken over by Farmborough airspace so that wasn’t an option , instead we flew over to Reading and it was wonderful to see IKEA on the M4 along with our friend’s garden centre near Pangbourne. I was quite amazed how many rather large houses are tucked away, well they weren’t really houses more like huge mansions!
Then it was my turn to take the controls, this was fantastic fun, very exhilarating and I was surprised that Adam wasn’t the least bit frightened. The whole flight lasted 30 minutes and then Steve landed the plane back at Blackbushe. We then discussed our next flight and decided it would be warmer in June (heating wasn’t brilliant), also next time we will fly over towards Portsmouth and it will be amazing to see the Isle of Wight from above.
I was quite overwhelmed seeing other disabled people who have actually obtained their private pilots license and fly solo! I don’t have any intention in becoming a pilot myself, I’ve always seen myself more of a hostess! But I’m very much looking forward to flying again.
The 30 minute flight cost £72 however that may have increased, the same as everything else. In my opinion even if it cost £100, it was worth every penny. I can’t recommend it highly enough – excuse the pun “Highly“!
