Disability flying lessons launch at Kent airport

Stuart Miller said flying let him leave his disability on the ground

A new programme of flying lessons for people with disabilities is "life-changing", say student pilots.

Lydd Airport's training centre and charity Aerobility launched the lessons in Kent on Thursday.

Instructor Al Rosser said lessons "give people a chance to do something they never thought they can do".

Student pilot Ann-Marie Baldwin told BBC Radio Kent: “I’ve found my place in the world after taking up flying."

The programme is open to people with both physical and learning disabilities, visible or non-visible.

Mr Rosser said when people fly they "forget all their other worries".

He added: "They are the same as everybody else and it inspires them to go and do extra things in their life.”

Pilots receive specialist training to fly as Aerobility instructors in modified PA28 Warrior planes.

Pilots Michael Owen and Andrew Hopper test the modification to allow flying with no foot controls

Stuart Miller, Aerobility facilities manager, trains instructors and club members how to use a hoist to help people into the planes.

He said he "caught the bug" after an experience session and has been flying solo since he got his private pilot's licence in 2019.

He said: "For me it’s awesome, you can leave your disability on the ground, you are just another pilot in the sky."

Ann-Marie Baldwin said she's found her place in the world

Ms Baldwin previously had to travel to Hampshire for her training and said being closer to home will make a real difference.

She said lessons are "amazing", she "loves flying a lot" and she plans to volunteer at the airport.

She said: "Hopefully I can pick up stuff by being around other people, helping out and sharing my enthusiasm with other disabled fliers."

Flying lessons for people with disabilities have launched at Lydd Airport

Adrian Stephens, operations and safety manager at Lydd Aero Club said: "It’s great to see people smiling when they come down from flying whatever ability they are, having shared the joy of flying.”