24 January 2023
An air traffic controller who became paralysed, learnt to walk again and fly a light aircraft is among the latest batch of Aviation Ambassadors announced by the Department for Transport.
Brian Wheeler was paralysed in May 2018 with a rare condition called Cauda Equina Syndrome and told it was unlikely he would ever walk again. He not only learnt to walk, he ran a half marathon in 2021 raising money for the disabled flying charity Aerobility, where he is a trustee. Brian also learnt to fly with Aerobility.
Among the other new names is 16-year-old Jack Jenner-Hall, the UK’s youngest pilot who qualified as a glider pilot at the age of 14.
Jack is passionate about aviation and STEM and is keen to share this passion to inspire people to get involved with the aviation industry and show that anything is possible, whatever your age.
Kanchana Gamage with last year’s Aviation Minister Robert Court
Kanchana Gamage, founder of the Aviatrix Project, also joins the Ambassador squad. Kanchana’s project encourages women and girls and those from disadvantaged backgrounds to consider a career in aviation and aerospace.
The ambassadors will share their skills and experience, particularly with young people and underrepresented groups, to highlight the wide range of opportunities available in the sector.
The aim is to raise the profile of aviation, promoting it as an exciting and accessible career.
Aviation Minister Baroness Vere said, “From champions for women and girls’ opportunities to young people who have already proven themselves to be rising stars in the industry, I look forward to working with our ambassadors to encourage more and more people to consider a career in aviation.
“We’ll continue doing everything in our power to support ongoing growth in the sector following the pandemic, nurture fresh talent, and realise a new generation of aviation workers.”
Brian Wheeler, motivational speaker and Aerobility trustee
The full group includes:
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