Freedom in the Air – Let Talent Fly

What we do

The purpose of Freedom in the Air (FITA) is to make flying more accessible for people with disabilities. We challenge, we educate, we give transferable skills through learning to fly. FITA enables people to fly higher socially, physically and professionally. FITA was established in 2007 and became a not-for-profit Community Interest Company in 2010. The…

Hand controls

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) sent FITA the supplement Type Certicate (STC) which approves the Union Aviation hand control for the C152. The Union is already approved for the C172 (4 seat) aeroplane. The C152 (2 seat) aeroplane is much cheaper to learn to train on and fly in then the 4 seater. The…

Disabled pilot training

We specialise in the training of people with a range of disabilities to obtain their Private Pilots Licence, National Private Pilots Licence, and beyond, or you just want to have some fun. So whether you are a beginner or continuing your flight training; whether your personal dream is to fly for pleasure or to become…

Private Pilots Licence

This Licence entitles you to act as Pilot in command of single engine piston aircraft registered in the EC carrying passengers on flights anywhere in the world. Habits developed during the first hours of Private Pilot Training are the making of a safe and proficient pilot. It is crucial that during these early stages…

UK NPPL Licence

The aim of the National PPL is to devolve the regulation of some recreational flying to ‘Air Sports’ organisations. The NPPL regulates training and licensing for UK flying in aeroplanes and self launching motor gliders. The NPPL training course requires a minimum of 32 hours training. There are ground subjects to study and the…

Flight Instructor

This Rating enables the holder to instruct students to PPL standard. Additional experience and training are required to teach night ratings, instrument flying, aerobatics & commercial flight training. You must hold a PPL (A) with 150 hours Pilot in command or hold a CPL (A) with 100 hours PIC and passed the CPL theoretical knowledge examinations…

Flying experience

Trial flying lessons make a great gift for birthdays, anniversaries or any special occasion. They are also a good starting point for those considering undertaking a full Private Pilots License course. If you would like a taste of what flying training is like, or simply want to experience a flight in a small aeroplane, where you…

4 Jul

Phab Wings 2018: Redhill Airport | Day 3

Freedom took flight on Day 3 of Phab Wings on Tour 2018. The venue for the show was Redhill Aerodrome, next to Gatwick Airport. “This is like flying a Spitfire this is..my favourite film is Reach for the Sky – about Douglas Bader” said young Aviator Chris Maskell. It could not have been a better…

12 Jun

Freedom Wings 2018: Tatenhill Airport

The utterly brilliant Kerry Wilkinson of Tatenhill Aviation was helping us to organise a wonderful Phab Wings on Tour 2018. Our second gig of the tour was held on Saturday 9th June 2018. Everyone at Tatenhill was enthusiastic, helpful, kind and determined to ensure that everyone was able to take part, meaning that the event…

25 May

Freedom Wings 2018: Manchester Barton

A few days ago Phab and FITA Facebook page put on our first Phab Wings on Tour fly gig, at Manchester Barton Airfield. During summer 2018, we’ll tour the UK giving over 100 people with and without disabilities the chance to fly a light aircraft. With funding coming from The Florian Trust, the tour will…

Anne

I’m a Paralympic Athlete, so I know how hard you must work to achieve success. FITA enabled me to feel free, to have freedom in the air. From the first lesson I took full control. There is nothing like being on top of the world to get a sense of liberation from my disability. I tend to always wear the wrong shoes for flying though. I feel alive every time fly, it’s so uplifting.

Lars

FITA gave me customer service. As a student from Denmark, it was important to find a flying school that can accomodate my residential training schedule and complete my training. I’m a double amputee and I flew a Cessna 172 and PA28 fitted with hand controls. FITA has a great attitude and deliver what they promised, I chose to fly at FITA.

Kim

You can Steal my wheelchair but not my not my dream. Flying with Freedom in the Air has been the most liberating experience of my life. Having been granted The Lady Bader Grant, by The Douglas Bader Foundation, I was able to pass all my written tests with FITA partner, CATS Aviation, and get to my solo stage of the flight training.

Ben

Thanks to the help of Freedom in the Air, I’m now able to set the dream into motion and fly commercially by getting my Commercial Pilot Licence Rating. FITA was tremendous at providing the hand controls for the complex PA28R which is approved for the advanced training. I’m now instructing full time regardless of wheelchair.

GoCardless donate

We rely on the support of individuals & companies to help fund our work. If you would like to help Freedom in the Air deliver our programmes, projects, and activities, you can do so using the below options. You can make a difference and we are grateful for any donations. Please click on the below icon…

Buy a t-shirt

All students embarking on their flight training will learn the saying #YouHaveControl from day one. FITA also uses #YouHaveControl across twitter as our call sign. Our 2016 #YouHaveControl t-shirt will help generate additional funding, and continue expanding our ongoing awareness to the wider community. All proceeds from sales will go towards our flying scholarships and…

Shop & Save Flight Equipment

Buying flight equipment? Want to save money and help a worthwhile cause?. Buy online from Pooleys flight equipment and get a 5% discount when you use the Freedom in the Air promotional code. Every purchase you make also benefits Freedom in the Air who get a percentage of the sale as a commission. Freedom in…