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Visually impaired man experiences flying a plane through Cornwall scholarship
Overview
A 66-year-old visually impaired man named Michael has described flying a light aircraft as a 'forever experience' thanks to the Cornwall Flying Scholarship. The initiative, run by Flynqy Pilot Training in partnership with the charity Aerobility, provides disabled people with the chance to experience flying and develop aviation skills. Funded by a donation from a local pilot, the scholarship offers beginner and intermediate levels, aiming to empower disabled individuals and boost their self-confidence.
Key points
- Michael, who has a visual impairment and cognitive impairment, was given full control of a light aircraft for a short flight over Cornwall.
- The Cornwall Flying Scholarship is run by Flynqy Pilot Training in partnership with the charity Aerobility.
- The initiative was launched in September following a generous donation from a local pilot.
- The scholarship offers a beginner level with a 50-minute trial flight and an intermediate level with three hours of fully funded flight training.
- Nathan Doidge, a pilot with cerebral palsy who gained his licence through Aerobility in 2012, praised the scholarship as a great opportunity for the disabled community.
- Organisers hope to encourage people with physical and hidden disabilities, mental illness, and ex-military personnel to enter aviation for pleasure or career purposes.