25 March 2024
Disabled aviation charity Aerobility has opened applications for flying scholarships for 2024.
Aerobility scholarships enable anyone with any disability to start to learn to fly, irrespective of their background. This is one of the ways the charity removes the financial as well as the physical barriers to accessing aviation.
Ann-Marie, who is diagnosed with ADHD and Autism, completed a flying scholarship with Aerobility in 2023. When she found out her application had been successful, she said, “It was the best feeling in the world! I’ve realised I’m happiest when I’m flying.”
Former scholarship winner Malky during her flight. Photos: Aerobility
Malky, aged 33, from London, who has early onset generalised dystonia, a condition characterised by involuntary contraction of the muscles, said, “The feeling you get when you are able to control an aircraft and fly in a life which you don’t always have much control over is priceless.”
Despite being a wheelchair user, Malky completed a flying scholarship with Aerobility last year.
Mike Miller-Smith, the charity’s CEO, said, “It is truly inspiring to hear how our flying scholarships have been able to transform the lives of people like Ann-Marie and Malky. Their stories embody Aerobility’s mission to provide opportunities for disabled people to discover their full potential.”
Anyone with a disability can apply for a scholarship, even people who have no previous flying experience. Applications close at 4pm on 12 April 2024. Apply now at aerobility.com/scholarships
From 18 April 2024, Aerobility will also be operating from Lydd Airport in Kent.
Al Rosser, Chief Flying Instructor, said,‚ “By allowing Aerobility flyers the opportunity to operate from Lydd, we make it easier for people living south of the Thames Estuary to gain to access disabled flying on their doorstop.
“Our partners at Lydd Aero Club are just excited as we are to deliver this service and hopefully is the start of something we can develop further in the long term.”
Aerobility offers flights from the following locations:
