TREVOR'S FLYING EXPERIENCE WITH BRITISH DISABLED FLYING ASSOCIATION AT BARTON AIRFIELD
Flying
The ability of a wheelchair user can vary immensely as I’ve experienced – going from weight-bearing with balance problems to an electric wheelchair with lateral supports. With this in mind, this report is given from someone who is in the latter category at the moment and so these things can easily be achieved by the more active wheelchair user.
By the time we found ourselves at Barton Aerodrome, Trafford Centre, Manchester, the cloud had broken and it turned out to be a good flying day. I actual saw a buzzard catch a thermal over the airfield. Strange I thought for it was quite a busy airfield with at least 50 various aeroplanes of all descriptions from Microlights and homebuilts to light aircraft and biplanes and also helicopters.
On entering the aerodrome (with 3 grass runways) there is a £2.50 car parking fee. The home of the Lancashire Aero Club (LAC), Barton offers many facilities for those interested in Aviation, whether it is simply watching the aeroplanes or having a go at flying training. The LAC clubhouse is situated near the entrance and provides café facilities for visitors. There is ramped access for wheelchairs and there is a disabled toilet there, although it is a bit more difficult for electric wheelchair users.
The British Disabled Flying Association had 2 aircraft there; a Piper PA28 (having a hand-controlled rudder linkage) and a Scottish Aviation Bulldog, both low-wing aircraft. The Bulldog can be hired for as low as £50/hour (for premium members) and the PA28 was £77 for the half hour flight.
My biggest challenge would be to actually get into the PA28, but with the aid of two burly firemen, they dragged my body into the passenger seat. The pilot then got in and made sure I was firmly strapped in. After the pre-flight checks, he started the engine and we moved to the edge of the runway and after further checks we bumped along the airfield and into the air. We climbed up to 3,000 feet and the pilot showed me various landmarks and towns. He let me fly the aeroplane. In days gone-by, I could, and have done this easily but now that I needed some lateral support, I found that all my strength was needed to keep my body upright and I could only do it for a matter of minutes. After about 20minutes we flew back to base and landed. My problem now, was to get out of the aircraft and thanks to the firemen and my wife, I managed to get back in my wheelchair.
In conclusion, I would encourage all wheelchair users who would like to, to give it a try! Who knows, you could be on your way to gaining your pilot’s licence.