2 January 2014
Tecnam, together with the launch-customer Aerobility (UK) has announced the first flight of first factory-designed CS-VLA aircraft equipped with disability hand controls.
The aircraft, certified under EASA CS-VLA requirements, is is a result of more than one year of ergonomic studies, test pilots’ overviews, component design and input from the disabled community through flying charity Aerobility. The result is the first flight of first worldwide CS-VLA certified aircraft factory built with disabled hand controls installed.
“This milestone project is truly the best of engineering and the best of human spirit – giving the freedom of flight to all. It signifies an exciting new era of accessible aviation for disabled people, providing low-cost flying opportunities for a wide range of disabilities ” said Mike Miller Smith, Aerobility CEO.
Designed with a close collaboration with Aerobility pilots, this production aircraft is equipped with all the standard controls plus a central stick fully integrated into the aircraft control system, enabling the use of rudder pedals, throttle and flap controls by a disabled person with no use of their legs. The entire flight and ground controls are fully operative with the sole use of left and right arms, including braking.
“After the first flight of this unconventional flight control system, I can easily say that I learnt how to control the aircraft by hand controls,” said Marco Locatelli, Tecnam Chief Test Pilot who performed the first flight of the aircraft and, after just one hour, was able to perform lazy eights and chandelles.
Many other small changes on the aircraft have been introduced in order to make the aircraft as disability friendly as possible with reinforcements on the leading edge, additional grab handles and increased canopy opening.
Test flights will continue for about one month before obtaining the final approval of change by EASA.
Aerobility and Tecnam first collaborated through Tim Orchard, UK dealer for Tecnam (<a href=’http://www.tecnamuk.com’ target=’_blank’>www.tecnamuk.com</a>) working together on creating a spectacular flight over the 2012 London Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony with a P2006T equipped with specifically designed pyrotechnics and lighting.
