Freedom in the Air is very proud to be associated with The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows. The Red Arrows have generously offered a VIP Day for 2 (unfortunately they cannot fly the winners) for FITA to raffle during the Freedom Freefall fundraiser.
On 11 June 2011, Freedom in the Air (FITA) is holding its first Freedom Freefall skydive day. Supporters from across the country will join us at Peterborough Sibson airfield to take part in this amazing challenge and raise money for FITA. 25 Freedom Freefallers will be taking part in the fundraiser to raise funds and awareness for the Freedom Wings project.
Freedom Wings is a wonderful opportunity to introduce disadvantaged or disabled youngsters to the freedom experienced in the air. A day in a light aircraft, safely taking control of the plane for a short time is a life-changing experience and enables young people to feel that they can reach for the skies and achieve virtually anything. Flying is one of the few activities where disabled people can participate to the same degree as an able-bodied person. The exhilarating experience rebuilds confidence and restores self-esteem. This, in turn, empowers people to explore their potential by extending their personal boundaries. In the air, we all fly at the same speed; nobody is disadvantaged or disabled.
Acknowledged as one of the world’s premier aerobatic teams, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team is the public face of the Royal Air Force. The Red Arrows promote the professional excellence of the Royal Air Force, assist in recruiting, contribute to Defence Diplomacy and support wider British interests through the promotion of British industry overseas.
Commanded by Squadron Leader Ben Murphy, the Red Arrows consist of over 100 officers and airmen drawn from throughout the Royal Air Force. Officially formed on 1 March 1965, the Team have now performed over 4,200 displays in 53 different countries. The Red Arrows are based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.
This prize is a unique opportunity for two people to visit the Red Arrows at their base in the winter training period in late 2011 – early 2012. During the visit, you will meet the Team’s pilots and support staff as they train for the next year’s summer display season.
The day includes:
- A presentation on the activities of the Red Arrows, given by one of the squadron’s officers
- Sitting in on the pilots’ pre-sortie brief
- Weather permitting, watch a flying display practice
- Have a photograph taken with the pilots in front of one of the aircraft
- Watch the pilots’ debrief session
- A buffet lunch with team members
- A guided tour of the Hawk aircraft by one of our engineers
Please be advised that the programme will be subject to the weather and operational commitments. This is an incredible prize and we cannot thank the Red Arrows enough for their support.
We have planned several Freedom Wings days for the 2011 summer flying season with organisations such as, The Forces Children’s Trust (FCT) – supporting children that have lost a parent whilst serving with the Armed Forces, Raiders Wheelchair basketball team, Northampton County Council Disability Services to name a few. The Freedom Freefall fundraiser will help us raise enough funds to be able to give 300 young people with disabilities free flying lessons.
“I drive a car and I sail, but flying is new to me. You leave the wheelchair on the ground, no restrictions and you carry on – its confidence, its freedom, its fantastic. I did not want to land the plane and just fly off into the sunset..”
Janette Marsland – Freedom Wings Pilot With the PHAB Club, July 2010.
