The Aviation for Paraplegics and Tetraplegics Trust was founded in 1994. The aim of the trust is to provide specially adapted aircraft for paraplegics and tetraplegics to help them obtain the Microlight Private Pilot Licence.
This is a tremendous feat for the most able bodied pilots let alone those whose disabilities dictate that some of the controls have to be activated by head and body movements!! During this time, and through the generosity of a private sponsor, the charity has bought outright two specially adapted Shadow aircraft along with two adapted mobile homes to enable students to stay on the site for extended periods. The trust also has a custom built hoist to allow access to the aircraft for the more severely disabled people.
The APT together with the training school, the Shadow Flight Centre Ltd. provide a unique opportunity to people whose lives have been savagely interrupted, it restores dignity, self esteem and offers a challenge that only a few years ago would have been unthinkable.
Since 1994 some 65 disabled people have flown in the APT's Shadow microlights with the Shadow Flight Centre at their base at Old Sarum Airfield. To date 5 students have gone on to obtain their unrestricted PPL (A) Microlight licence.
Last year the APT's principle sponsor was forced by personal difficulties to withdraw his financial support. As a result of recent press and television coverage funding has been secured to allow the trust to operate for another 12 months and more importantly, breathing space to develop new fund raising programs.
For further information on the APT contact:
Jack Simpson at the APT - phone 01722 410744 or, fax 01722 410678
For training information contact:
The Shadow Flight Centre Ltd. - phone 01722 410567 or, fax 01722 410678
Last updated 31st December 1998
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