It has been incredibly frustrating during the past few weeks to continue with my pilot training. Many problems I have encountered and many solutions I have tried to find. When I encounter a brick wall, I go into problem solving mode – it is both a positive and a negative trait in me. Often it does lead to me finding solutions as well as discovering more headaches.
My experience is not unique. Many many people who have a disability have encountered the same difficult situation that I have when it comes to pilot training. I can only share my experience and learn about others.
I am a very curious person and I like to know about things. Having knowledge and imagination is a wonderful way of solving problems. I love to learn about things that I am interested in. If I have an insight into a subject then it means that I am not waiting for other people to share what they have learnt and I feel that I can start to communicate with those who are more knowledgeable then me…
The following is a brief summery of the main areas that I have had trouble with.
1) Finding a flying school that is close to where I live that have the set up to train disabled student pilots.
2) Finding flying schools that have a PA28 with an approved hand control modification that are approved by CAA and EASA.
3) Approved Hand controls – Vision Air and Blackwood.
Below are some information that is available online that will help anyone wishing to research hand controls and regulations pertaining to modifications.
Regulations:
http://www.easa.europa.eu/doc/Regulation/l_14020070601en00030020.pdf
Blackwood, it has already been approved by CAA-UK on the PA-28 and approved by EASA.
http://www.caa.co.uk/aandocs/24875/24875000102.pdf
I met with the CAA and discussed face-to-face ways in which they can help me in general aviation from their perspective. It was my first time I met with them and therefore I cannot judge them completely. I did come away thinking that they are not so terrible and are there to help and not make life difficult. Everything in aviation takes a long time but that is not a reason to give up or be deflated by problems that arise.
I have now got several projects that I want to commit to. Some will take a long time to develop. These I can be patient with such as the hand control situation. I have had some enlightening conversations with Suzi Duncan in Australia who designed the Vision Air hand control and had them made by Gippsland in Australia. Suzi and I have many things in common and it seems that we have experienced similar things in life. I have a lot of admiration for and for what she has achieved in Aviation. She is a commercial pilot licence holder; instructor and I believe is a pioneer for disabled aviators. Knowing what she has achieved has given me the motivation to follow in her footsteps. I would consider her a hero of mine. I hope to interview her for Questions in the air soon.
http://www.wheelieswithwings.com.au/
I am now in talks with her to licence her design to manufacture the controls with an approved company in the UK. This is one reason why I went to meet the CAA and had discussions with EASA re the process for certification and approval – it is not a difficult system, but will be a challenge to get it right. It will require time, money and great partnerships to realise my commitment in this area.
Finding the right flying school that can deliver the training that I am looking for has been problematic. I have found around 5-6 through the BDFA and through my own research. Having spoken to each and each have their pros and cons. They are all spread out and getting to them is one of the major problems. The nearest one to me is suitably set up to provide PPL training and has experience and success of teaching people with a disability is either Goodwood – at the top end of the price bracket – but very very good and Anglian School of flying based at Norwich Airport – http://www.anglianaircentre.co.uk/
What I like about Anglian is that they are the only organisation that I have come across that have a section on their site that is letting the world know that they are teach disabled pilot training. The other schools do not mention it at all on their sites yet they have the hand controls. The BDFA website has great information about where to fly and how to fly and hope in the future to offer full NPPL and PPL. Through the BDFA is also the cheapest way to fly, however not on a regular basis.
All I want to do is complete my training without too many headaches. I realise that there are always going to be problems in life and nothing is perfect. The various issues I have experienced in my student days are starting to become a distraction. I just want to complete my training so that I can start to think about other areas of my life.
I have identified a wrong that I believe needs righting. My commitment to flying and aviation is long term. I will put my personal resources behind it and continue in my education in the subject. I wish to promote pilot training for disabled people and encourage growth in general aviation for passionate aviators. My hope one day is to give people new possibilities and new experiences through aviation.
I have had the opportunity and pleasure of being taught by incredible pilots. I have flown with 5 different instructors all with different backgrounds in Aviation at the highest level. I know how important it is to find the right instructor and the right school. Having the combination of these is the magic ingredient.
I know now which instructor I would like to be taught by, however I do not think that I will complete my training with that person. Before embarking on learning to become a pilot one has to consider many factors.
Costs will always be a primary factor when deciding which school to attend for pilot training. My advice would be to do your research, ask a lot of questions, have a trail flight at various schools and choose the one that you will feel at home in. Find a school that can provide the structured training that you wish for. They have to also understand your needs and I am sure that some sacrifices will need to be made.
There are many terrific individuals and organisations that are doing brilliant things in aviation. I can only do my part with great love.
