Can I Fly?
Aerobility has worked extremely hard to try and make sure that everybody can fly, whatever their impairment. Please be aware that some disabilities can make flight challenging. If this is the case for your disability, we look forward to working with you to explore what is possible.
We have developed aircraft adaptations, hoisting techniques and other solutions to make sure flying is as accessible as possible. Not everyone can go on to hold a licence, but most can fly as long as they can move something!
We try to be as inclusive as possible, providing for the whole spectrum of disability and impairment, including: mental and physical disabilities, mobility issues, learning difficulties and sensory problems, mental health issues, through to neurological disorders and amputation - and all points in between. We've probably come across your impairment before, and we'll have a strategy which should allow you to fly.
You will find an 'access requirements' field on the participant information form - use this to let us know the degree to which your mobility is restricted: a hoist may be the most suitable way for you to access the aircraft, but If you don't tell us, we may not have a suitable aircraft available on the day.
The only qualification for an introductory flight is that you must have an impairment, and be considered disabled as per standard government guidelines.
MANDATORY SAFETY RULES – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Your pilot will be a UK CAA Qualified pilot, trained and approved by the Aerobility Head of Training to deliver the safest possible flight. The whole team will do everything possible to ensure that you really enjoy the experience.
Sizes and weights
To be eligible to fly in the front seat of one of our Piper PA28 training aircraft, there is a weight limit of 17 stone (238 lbs or 108 Kg). Should a hoist be required to allow access into the aircraft, the weight limit for this activity is 15 ¾ stone (220 lbs or 100kg) at Blackbushe, 14 stones (209 lbs or 95Kg) at Tatenhill and Lydd. For people who exceed this weight, up to 20 stone (280 lbs or 127 Kg), there is the potential to utilise our larger PA-32 Cherokee 6 at Blackbushe should this be required.
Customers over 6ft 4ins (193 cm) or under 5ft (152cm), or those with particular physical disabilities should contact us in advance to ensure that suitable arrangements can be in place.
Whist Aerobility makes every effort to enable customers to have a flight, if it does not take place then a full refund will be made. If there are any concerns, you may visit Aerobility and try out the aircraft size.
Alcohol drugs and prescribed medication
It is an offence for pilots and students to fly whilst above the limit for alcohol. The legal limit for flight instruction in a light aircraft is a quarter of the drink / drive limit (i.e. not exceeding 20mg per 100ml of blood). Therefore, students should not have consumed
any alcohol in the 8hours pre- flight
more than 5 units of alcohol in the 12 hours pre-flight
a substantial amount of alcohol during the 24 hours pre-flight
It is also an offence to fly under the influence of drugs, or with impaired faculties caused by taking prescribed medication.
The Introductory Flight
Wear appropriate clothing – casual wear and trousers are generally best. • Bring warm clothing as airfields can be exposed • Your Pilot will be the captain of the aircraft, also known as the Pilot-in Command (PIC) and customers must obey all their instructions • Do not touch, or let anyone accompanying you touch any aircraft unless authorised by the PIC • Keep clear of the propellers as it is possible to start an engine by accidentally leaning against or pushing a propeller • Smoking is not permitted at any time • Enter and leave the aircraft only when instructed to do so by the PIC who will make sure it is safe and will guide you where to put your hands and feet • In flight, do not touch any aircraft controls or switches unless advised to do so • Post flight, should you wish to continue further flying and embark on a course of flight training, your pilot and Aerobility staff will be able to advise on the best way to achieve your future goals.
