If you can fly an aeroplane, what else can you do..?

Enforced lockdowns have proved difficult for so many people around the world during the Coronavirus pandemic. But for Britain’s disabled population, that sense of restriction most of us have found so uncomfortable is all too often their normality. Finding those disabled people who are effectively locked-down forever and offering them the opportunity to rediscover some freedom by flying an aeroplane is the mission of charity Aerobility.

Before Covid-19 struck, the charity was supporting around 1,000 disabled people a year through its various activities. It is run largely by disabled aviators, for disabled people, and headed by inspirational CEO Mike Miller-Smith.

I had the opportunity to meet Mike and some of those most closely associated with Aerobility when the charity held its virtual ‘Armchair Airshow’ at London Biggin Hill Airport in late May. This was Aerobility’s drive to bring some aviation activity directly into airshow enthusiasts’ living rooms by live streaming displays and interviews from the likes of the Red Arrows – all while generating publicity for its cause and helping to raise much-needed money via donations and an online auction.

I’d been invited to fly my co-owned de Havilland Chipmunk into Biggin for the show. In the event the aircraft was unserviceable, so I jumped into another machine with a fellow pilot pal. On arrival at this historic Battle of Britain airfield we were thrilled to be asked to push the Chipmunk into the hangar where the live broadcast would take place. It helped provide a fantastic backdrop among a stable of Spitfire and Hurricane, one of The Blades’ Extra 300s and various other beautiful aircraft.

Before the show began, I joined a press conference organised by the charity’s PR firm Emerald Media to learn more about Aerobility and to hear from two people whose lives were changed for the better by its work.

Royal Navy veteran Neil Tucker was a successful entrepreneur when he suffered devastating injuries in a motorcycle accident. He subsequently lost his business and freely admits he was in a dark corner and quite vulnerable, having lost his leg and the use of an arm in the crash. Learning to fly with Aerobility renewed his enthusiasm for life – his sense of achievement was incredible, he says – and today Neil is a trustee of the charity.

“Anything is possible,” Neil says. “When you get up in the sky you are just another voice on the radio. Many of those who find the charity may only do one flight with us. But it is a life step and a transformational point. The sense of community in aviation grabs you as soon as you walk through the door. My message to any disabled person who is struggling is: ‘Don’t be scared. Don’t think you can’t do it.’”

I was also moved listening to young Harvey Matthewson, Aerobility’s aviation activities officer, who began flying with the charity after a trip to Africa convinced him to conquer his lifelong fear of flying. He gained his private pilot’s licence in 2019.

Harvey, who has cerebral palsy, said: “When you go flying your mind clears and you leave your problems on the ground. When you get back, you’re allowed to start your life again from a new position of clarity. I would recommend it for anyone, even if they’re not interested in aviation. Taking control of an aircraft – for a disabled person who may be reliant on others and be very constrained on the ground – you are suddenly able to move an aircraft in three dimensions. It can be very liberating and that magic can leak into other parts of your life. It could help you to do better at school or gain the confidence to get your first job.”

As a passionate pilot myself, I know I’ve been very fortunate to fly more than 25 different types of aircraft. I know the intoxicating and liberating power of flight and the way aviation so quickly unites like-minded people. At times it does change lives. Aerobility puts this potential to such good use by inspiring disabled people and providing a new perspective on life. The charity deserves to be much more widely known and supported. With your help, the charity can continue to give disabled people wings long into the future.

To find out more or to donate or volunteer, visit: www.aerobility.com

With thanks to Mike Miller-Smith, Aerobility, Biggin Hill Airport and Emerald Media for the invitation to attend the 2021 Armchair Airshow.