Gallery: Aerobility To Expand World Of Flight To Disabled

Aerobility Obtains Fleet Of Grob 109B Gliders

Aerobility, a UK-based nonprofit that trains the disabled to fly, has acquired the UK Royal Air Force’s fleet of 60 Grob G109B motor gliders, formerly used to train cadets. It plans to operate up to eight of the aircraft to provide flying opportunities for the disabled across the UK and to sell the rest. Proceeds of the sale will be used to modify aircraft for the disabled. Credit: Aerobility

G109B Able Modifications

Aerobility plans to modify the G109B Able light aircraft with controls suitable for the disabled. The aircraft are also being overhauled by the German manufacturer with new engines, propellers and avionics. Credit: Aerobility

The Right Aircraft

The Grob G109B met many of Aerobility’s requirements. It is cost effective to operate, uses unleaded fuel and is a tough aircraft as well, says Mike Miller-Smith, Aerobility CEO. “Disabled people aren’t always the gentlest, because they’ve got to grab onto something to pull in, or sit on the wing to climb in,” Miller-Smith says. “With the gull-wing doors, it’s very easy to use a hoist to place somebody in.” Credit: Aerobility

A Grant-Funded Partnership

Aerobility received a grant from the Department for Transport for the acquisition of the Grob fleet. The additional G109B aircraft will allow the nonprofit to expand its services at other airfields. It currently operates from Blackbushe Airport in Hampshire and Tattenhill in Staffordshire. Credit: Aerobility

Earning A Pilot's License

Arthur Williams, a UK television presenter and former Royal Marine, was paralyzed in a car crash in 2007. In 2009, he trained and entered a wheelchair marathon and won. He had always wanted to be a pilot and in his research, came across Aerobility. Through the organization, Williams signed up for his first trial lesson, then went on to gain his private pilot’s license. Here, Williams is shown with Mike Owen, Aerobility chief flight instructor. Credit: Aerobility