Flying With A Disability

Can I Really Learn to Fly with a Disability?

Of course you can. Flying might feel out of reach at first, but with the right support it is very much possible. Aircraft can be adapted to suit different needs, and instructors are experienced in helping people find a way that works for them, no matter the challenge. Some people begin with a short trial flight to get a feel for the controls, while others are ready to dive straight in and take the controls themselves. Each flight is paced to your comfort and confidence, allowing you to build skills at your own speed.

It is all about making you feel at ease while giving you the chance to experience the unique freedom of being up in the air. You’ll have the thrill of looking down on the world from above, the satisfaction of handling the aircraft, and the reassurance of knowing a trained instructor is there to guide you every step of the way. Everyone’s journey is a little different, but the most important thing is that the sky is open to you too, ready to be explored and enjoyed in your own way.

What Type of Aircraft Can People With A Disability Fly?

For these experiences, you will be flying in the Ikarus C42, a light two-seat microlight known for being stable, reliable and easy to handle. Its high-wing design, side-by-side seating and gull-wing doors make getting in and out straightforward, while the simple, uncluttered cockpit layout keeps things intuitive once you are inside. Features such as a central control stick, push-to-talk button, folding throttle levers and electric pitch trim ensure the aircraft is practical and accessible, giving you the confidence to take control while enjoying the incredible view from above.

Not only is the Ikarus C42 well suited for accessible flying, but the experiences are also fully approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), so you can be reassured about safety and standards. The instructors you will be flying with are fully qualified and bring a wealth of experience in accommodating a wide range of disabilities and impairments. Whether it’s a physical disability, mobility issue, learning difficulty, sensory problem, neurological disorder or limb difference, they know how to adapt the experience to suit each individual’s needs.

This combination of thoughtfully designed aircraft and highly experienced instructors ensures that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the freedom and exhilaration of flight. The sessions are designed to be supportive, enjoyable and empowering, giving you the chance to focus on the thrill of being in the air, knowing that you are in safe and understanding hands.

UK Wide Flying with a Disability

These experiences are currently available at two welcoming locations: Rochester Airport in Kent and Little Gransden Airfield in Cambridgeshire. Both sites provide the opportunity to take to the skies in the Ikarus C42, a light aircraft that is stable, accessible, and ideal for first-time flyers. You will be alongside experienced instructors who are not only skilled pilots but also genuinely passionate about helping people discover the joy of flight.

It is important to note that lifting equipment is not provided, and instructors are not trained to lift customers in or out of the aircraft. For this reason, we kindly ask that you bring along any personal assistance you may require on the day. Once this is in place, everything else is taken care of, allowing you to relax, soak up the atmosphere at the airfield, and look forward to the unforgettable moment when the aircraft lifts off and you feel the freedom of flying for yourself.

How to Book a Flying Lesson Gift Voucher for People with Disabilities

Booking your flying lesson is straightforward. First, choose the experience you’d like - usually a 30 or 60 minute flight - then order a voucher, which is valid for 12 months (or 14 months for an additional fee). Vouchers can be sent instantly by email or as a gift pack in the post, making them perfect as a treat for yourself or as a thoughtful gift. Once you have your voucher, you simply redeem it online, pick your preferred location, and arrange a date that works best for you.

We understand that every person’s circumstances are different, so once you redeem your voucher the booking request is passed directly to the supplier. A member of their team will then give you a call to go through a short safety form with you, ensuring everything is in place before the day of your flight. This friendly step is there to make sure you feel confident and comfortable, leaving you free to focus on the thrill of taking to the skies.