Our Flyers’ Experiences

Rodney is 96 years old. He lives in care home and came with his daughter Ali, who went as passenger, along with her husband and a carer from his care home.

Rodney receiving his certificate from his pilot Chris Wade.

The lovely Natalie from nearby Yateley came to fly with us in July 2021.

Her husband William (Bill) was a WW2 flight engineer and completed 30 ops on Lancaster Bombers as a flight engineer with 617 Squadron.

Jonathon and his parents live in Lancashire but have been down for a week's holiday so that Jonathon could have

Aerobility flyer, 20 year old Harvey Matthewson, was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of two.

After being diagnosed with PTSD in 2004 Simon’s confidence took an unexpected knock so much so that moving through the ranks of the Army seemed doubtful.

I served with the Royal Marines for over 27 years and was medically discharged in 2015 as a result of a near fatal break to my neck from riding with the Royal Navy Royal Marines Cycling Team.

Thanks to grants from Boeing administered by the Air League

Cliff is learning to fly not just one but two aircraft. He is aiming for his Commercial Helicopter Pilot Licence as well as undertaking training modules to be a Commercial Fixed Wing Pilot.

“I was medically discharged from the Navy in 2004 (aged 23 years) with severe back and neck injuries following a powerboat crash whilst in service and have been in pain every day since. Two years ago, my back gave out and I temporarily lost the use of my legs - I have always been very active and self-reliant, so this was a huge blow.”

Christian has always been ambitious. Following complications at birth Christian was born with physical disabilities, unfortunately these complications have proved difficult for Christian throughout his life, especially proving difficult when looking for work in the fields of aviation and automotive.

In 2002 after 15 years in the Police force Stuart suffered a brain infection, the result of this meant that he was left with impaired motor skills. Having to give up his job he suffered a loss of identity and place in society whilst trying to adjust to his new position.

Clive says:
“I have had a passion for aviation all my life and was in the Air Cadets with a view to joining the RAF. I broke my neck in a motorcycle accident aged 17 though, and despite recovering enough to walk with crutches, life and a job in radio put the flying on hold until a late 40s mid-life crisis and an internet search led to Aerobility. Learning to fly has been amazing and challenging and despite a frustrating 9-month break in training for Winter and Covid, going solo in October (2020) was undoubtedly one of the best experiences of my life. I couldn’t do this without the support of Aerobility and once we can fly again, I am keener than ever to continue my training towards hopefully a PPL.”

Bradley Brockies, flew solo for the first in August 2020. In doing so, he became the youngest student to fly solo through the charity. Bradley, who has autism, said:

“I’m hugely proud of achieving my aim of flying solo on my 16th Birthday and thank Aerobility for all the help and support they have given me in helping me achieve my dream. After school, I want work in the aviation industry and hope to become a pilot.”