Gautam Lewis – Founder

Born in Kolkata, India Gautam Lewis has weathered and survived more storms than most. Abandoned as a baby after contracting polio he was taken to Mother Theresa’s Missionaries of Charity where he stayed for two years before having a further two years of operations at the Rehabilitation Centres for Children just outside the city. There he met Patricia Lewis, his 25 year old mother to be.

In 2001 Gautam joined the quirky and vibrant Ricochet (artist management) to look after artists that included Keith Flint (Prodigy) and Incognito. This evolved into a three year period at Creation Management, another young company set-up by Stephen King and the iconic Alan McGee (the driving force behind Oasis).

Gautam undertook the full management of bands including The Libertines, The Hives, D4 and The Kills. As well as sorting out tours, recordings and contracts, extra-curricular activities such as the attempted drug rehabilitation of the Libertine’s front man Pete Doherty also came with the job.

Fulfilling a childhood dream, Gautam qualified as Pilot in September 2007, he not only passed all his ground and air examinations first time, but did so in just six months. A long standing fascination for aircraft has always been prevalent, but Gautam never thought that someone with his condition would be catered for in the world of aviation.

Gautam has a deep understanding of how important voluntary organizations are in the world today. Still dependent on crutches from his own battle with polio, Gautam believes he is in a strong position to promote pilot training for people with disabilities and to highlight with dignity some of the achievements that are possible in the face of adversity.

Gautam has had great opportunities in his life. He believes that his calling is to help others and celebrate in the spirit that the Sky’s the limit.

email gautam [at] freedomintheair.org