Your Age and Disability need not be a barrier to learning to flying

I woke up one morning earlier this summer, three months short of my 62nd birthday to be precise and decided to fulfil a life long ambition, to learn to fly. ( a brain storm I'm thinking ) Over the next few weeks or so I contacted various agencies and clubs, the BDFA being one of the first and made the usual general enquiries as to the cost etc, and to find out if I would have any trouble with my disability. I have rheumatoid arthritis and didn't know if my two replacement knees, and bent fingers would inhibit me in any way from getting into and out of the cockpit or handling the controls.

The replies I received from every source were very positive and full of encouragement.
The following Saturday I ventured off to my nearest flying club determined to get things moving.
The Cambrian Flying Club at Pembrey, which is about half way between Llanelli and Carmarthen, close to Kidwelly in South Wales, and shares this second world war aerodrome with the local racing circuit and model flying club all surrounded by a working farm.
On arrival I was soon put at ease and made welcome by Derek the owner. Everything was explained to me in great detail, and a trial flight was booked for the following Sunday. I was given a medical form, which during the week I had to get my GP to sign, as to my fitness to fly. ( it didn't cover mental competency)

A week later the long awaited day dawned and after a hearty breakfast I set off for the airfield.
On my arrival I was introduced to Karl who was to become my instructor,. He went over the basics of the flight with me and introduced me to the Tomahawk P38, this would be my training machine for the duration of my PPL course.
I was time to get started and after carrying out the exterior flight checks on G-LNSB It was time to find out if my 6ft 4in arthritic fingers bionic knees could be teased into such a small cockpit, but once I was shown were to hold onto and how to ease myself in it became quite roomy and comfortable once strapped into the left hand seat.
Karl then went over the pre flight checklists with me and before I new it the engine was ticking over nicely. He called for taxie clearance instructions and we were soon moving out onto the apron. Stopping short of the yellow lines, nose into wind for more pre-flight checks, those done we asked for and were given our instructions for departure. We crossed the yellow lines turned right onto runway 22 and back tracked to the far end, Karl turned the Tomahawk left 180deg onto the threshold, one last set of checks, one more r/t call, full throttle and we were rolling, the ground speed picking up with each yard, 40kts 50kts 60kts a very gentle rotation of the yoke and we were airborne.
I had like most people flown thousands of miles in big jets around the world, but you never forget that first foray into the air behind the controls of a light aircraft as I'm sure you will all know, it's a memory that will stay with me for life, and the best way to travel.
At 500ft we banked gently to the left (port) and continued to climb to 1000ft by this time we could see the Gower Peninsular below to our right, with it's long sandy beaches and green rolling fields.
We levelled off at 1000ft and I was instructed to take control of the yoke and found that I was actually flying the plane, it was surprisingly smooth and responsive, not at all how I had imagined.

We spent the next 45 minutes cruising around carrying out various manoeuvres, getting the feel of the controls, and not to forget the almost mandatory pass over my house just along the coast.
But It seemed that no sooner were we up than we must return to the ground. I was amazed how much time I was given to fly the plane and with my instructors help was able to line it up ( well nearly ) for the landing approach, I got us to about 100ft and I remember thinking " Karl, I hope your going to take over soon" , but he did and we made a smooth landing on runway 22. Something I've been trying to emulate ever since.
From that moment I was hooked, and determined to make further bookings for more lessons in the weeks to come.
Back on the ground I got my first "Pilots log book" filled in signed and ready for my next entry the following week.

That was all back in May 06. I studied hard during that time for my first exam, passed "Air law " in July, and on a Sunday morning in August a week after my 62nd birthday on a nice calm morning having done three touch and goes with my instructor, I was sent off on my first solo flight, around the circuit.
It's a one off experience your first solo, you're on your own, you have to do it all for yourself with no instructor advising you. I enjoyed the freedom and thrill off that first flight and each time I repeat it now I still get that same buzz. I made a safe if not perfect landing, this was to be first of many dozens to come.
When I landed Karl came out and met me to congratulate me as did everyone I met for several days after. It wasn't until I got in the club house after landing that the nerves kicked in and I found myself shaking as the adrenalin wore off and the coffee took over, and I was gabbering away about the flight.
I still go over that first solo reliving it in detail as the days and weeks pass, thanks to Karl my instructor, Derek and my fellow club members for their encouragement and G-LNSB for the privilege.
Since then I have found studying for more of the exams on my own hard going, so in September I elected to spend a week at a ground training school, which was very hard work, but interesting and rewarding and I came home having passed 5 more of the CAA exams.
I am building up more solo time now ( and landings ) and look forward to leaving the circuit soon for more advanced training in the months ahead.

I wish with hind sight I had started flying years ago, but time and money were not available in those days so I aim to enjoy my flying now, and as my next goal it would be great if I could complete my PPL training by my 63rd birthday in 2007.

I hope my experience will inspire other disabled people to give flying a try, you don't know what you can do until you try. Find a local Flying club with people like Derek and Karl and you will always be sure that someone will be around to help you fulfil that dream, to experience the step learning curve the thrill and freedom that you can only get from flying. And not to forget the new friends you make along the way who do help and encourage you every step along the way.

Peter Bishop ( NPPL Student 2006)