Aerobility receives a donation from British Aerobatics

The British Aerobatics first prize draw took place at Blackbushe Airport last Wednesday 14th March 2018. As part of its new fundraising initiative, British Aerobatics also presented a giant cheque for £1000 as a donation to the registered charity Aerobility who were hosting the event.

Chris Gazzard, Airport Manager for Blackbushe Airport, was invited by British Aerobatics to draw the winning ticket. Congratulations went to the winner who will be given a 50-minute flight experience in a two seat Spitfire (T9) provided by Boultbee Flight Academy together with an overnight stay with dinner for two at Goodwood Hotel.

During the event British Aerobatics were delighted to present the donation to Aerobility who facilitate flying training and a range of flying experiences for disabled people. Mike Miller-Smith, MBE, Chief Executive of Aerobility along with other members of his team were thrilled to receive the cheque:

“Aerobility and the services we provide are made possible thanks to the generous support of the aviation community, and the fabulous donation from British Aerobatics will enable us to genuinely change more disabled lives through the magic of flight. Aerobatic flight in particular is an expression of freedom very much like the work of Aerobility, and something of a flying passion of mine, so the association of Aerobility and British Aerobatics is very apt and we look forward to building further ties and working together introducing aerobatics to the disabled community.”

Mike started his career training as a commercial pilot before becoming disabled in his twenties. Despite developing Muscular Dystrophy, a progressive genetic neurological condition, Mike continues to fly achieving over 2,000 hours to date. He believes that flying is very much a possibility for people with a range of disabilities and that disabled flying can provide a level of challenge and exhilaration that may be difficult to find anywhere else.

British Aerobatics plans to continue donating to Aerobility as part of its initiative which aims to help develop talented British aerobatic pilots. The proceeds of the lottery will go toward British Aerobatics’ team training and support fund in preparation for European and World Championships.

“This first lottery draw has really helped in raising funds to enable our pilots to train and compete this year. We were also really pleased to be able to donate to Aerobility who are a fantastic charity,” explains Steve Todd, Chairman of British Aerobatics. “From everyone involved with British Aerobatics I would like to thank everybody who bought a ticket, our members for their support and the organisations who helped us with publicity.”

Details of the next British Aerobatic lottery draw will be available online soon. https://www.aerobatics.org.uk