Trust marks 10 years of disabled aviation (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Trust marks 10 years of disabled aviation

Instructor Raymond Poust (left, Jonathan Rudge and Jack Simpson at Old Sarum airfield.A CHARITY that has given dozens of severely disabled people a new freedom and sense of adventure by allowing them to take to the skies has celebrated its tenth anniversary at Old Sarum airfield.

The Aviation for Paraplegics and Tetraplegics Trust developed technology to make it possible for almost anyone to take the controls of an aircraft.

Thirteen of its former students have gone on to obtain private pilot's licences.

APT's specially adapted aircraft allows even people with virtually no mobility to fly unaided.

Brakes are operated by leaning the head back on to a padded lever, the radio switches on and off with a drop of the jaw on to a touch-sensitive pad, and altitude is controlled by the pilot either blowing on to or sucking air out of a mouthpiece.

A hundred invited guests celebrated the achievement with an anniversary party and buffet at Old Sarum Flying Club, attended by Salisbury mayor Bobbie Chettleburgh.

One of APT's current aviators, Jonathan Rudge, has been flying since the trust's earliest days.

He said: "When I broke my back and it sank in that I couldn't walk, I thought I could forget about ever doing anything like this again. It never occurred to me that one day I would be able to fly.

"I spend most of my time in a wheelchair, which is very restricting.

"Just to be up there is such a thrill and so liberating - it is hard to explain what it means to me."

Trust administrator Jack Simpson said that reaching the tenth anniversary was a particularly proud moment for the club, which, five years ago, was short of funds and fighting for survival.

He said: "I can't fly myself but I get the joy of flying every day when I see our pilots come in to land with smiles on their faces."