SKY'S LIMIT FOR DISABLED FLYER.
Byline: Catherine LillingtonKEVIN Arblaster is flying high after overcoming his disability to man the controls of a light aircraft. The 39-year-old, from Aldridge, who has Cerebral Palsy - a condition that affects movement, posture and co-ordination, flew solo for the first time in his life.
Kevin has been flying regularly since 2007 and until recently had always been accompanied by a co-pilot or instructor. But he took the step of flying a light aircraft on his own at Tatenhill, near Burton upon Trent, through a scheme offered by the charity Aerobility.
For a person with disabilities, Kevin said making a short solo flight was about more than being able to control an aircraft. He added: "Within ten minutes you have in fact overcome your disability.
"Having Cerebral Palsy and being able to take control of an aircraft is a great experience in itself.
"However, when your instructor feels that it is time for you take the massive step of doing your first solo, it is a totally different experience all together." Aerobility is a British charity that enables light aviation for disabled and profoundly ill adults and children.
Mike Miller Smith, CEO of the charity, said it works with more than 300 disabled people every year.
He said: "Flying an aeroplane solo is an achievement for anybody, let alone somebody with a profound disability.
"Kevin has worked really hard, and with the time and support of our instructors and our specially adapted aircraft, Kevin has been able to achieve his dream.
"We're really pleased to be part of this fantastic achievement."
CAPTION(S):
Dream come true: Disabled pilot Kevin Arblaster made his solo flight from Tatenhill Airfield in Staffordshire.
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| Publication: | Birmingham Mail (England) |
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| Date: | Dec 16, 2010 |
| Words: | 279 |
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