Disability flying lessons to start at Lydd Airport

Aerobility use specially adapted aircraft to enable people with a range of disabilities to experience flying a plane

Flying lessons for people with disabilities are set to start at an airport in Kent.

The programme, based at Lydd Airport, is a collaboration between the site's existing flight training centre and disability flying charity Aerobility.

Lessons and experience flights are due to begin from 18 April.

A Lydd Airport spokesperson said it was "proud" to support the work of the charity and "provide opportunities to the disabled community".

Lydd Aero Club will begin the disability flying lesson programme in April

The programme is open to people with both physical and learning disabilities.

Bill Vidal chairman of Lydd Aero Club which runs flight training at the airport, said: “We are delighted to be working with the charity to provide those opportunities through Lydd Aero Club.

"Disabled people that fly with us will get the same experience and support in specially adapted aircraft that they would get flying with the charity at Blackbushe or Tatenhill.”

Aerobility said one of Lydd Aero Club's PA28 Warrior aircraft is due to be modified at the charity's Blackbushe base in Hampshire later this month.

The club's pilots will also receive specialist training to fly as Aerobility instructors in the modified plane.

Lydd Aero Club said it had already received several inquiries from local people interested in taking part.