Eight months today [Thursday, June 18 2015] a small plane will rise into the skies over Perth Airport on the second Tayside leg of a UK-wide charity flight relay being backed by two Chamber members.
The short flight to Dundee Airport will see a disabled pilot at the controls, as will the next leg, from Dundee to Leuchars the same day. That’s the whole point of the Freedom of Flight Relay Challenge and why passionate pilots Paul Barnett and Andy Lothian, Chief Executive of Chamber member Insights, are sponsoring the legs to and from Dundee and are calling on others to do the same.
The challenge aims to visit every county of the UK, with each leg being flown by a disabled pilot, or one under instruction. It’s set to take place between June 13 and July 1 next year, covering 4,000 nautical miles between Blackbushe, the home of Aerobility, and Fairford Aerodrome during the Royal International Air Tattoo, which supports Flying Scholarships for Disabled People.
The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of disabled flying in the UK, collect much-needed funds to support those using the power of flight to increase confidence and self-esteem as well as bring together the community of disabled pilots in a shared endeavour which will inspire the wider population.
The Barnetts Motor Group chairman, who’s had a Private Pilot’s Licence since 1990 and has his ‘instrument-rating’ to fly in all weathers, has committed the firm to providing local logistical and media support in Tayside to the Challenge as well as £250 sponsorship for the local leg from Scone to Dundee Airport on June 18 2015. The media support is being provided via Chamber member ASM Media & PR.
Paul also asked his friend and fellow aviation enthusiast Andy Lothian, Chief Executive of Insights, to sponsor the Dundee-Fife leg, which he immediately agreed to do. He first flew solo at 8.10am on the morning of his 17th birthday – the earliest time possible – and went on to gain his Commercial Pilot’s Licence, Parachuting Pilot Examiner qualification and 1,500 hours flying time across the UK and Europe including display aerobatics.
The Relay Challenge is being organised by Dundee University graduate Pauline Gallagher (37), a former pupil of Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP), one of the beneficiaries of the event. She suffers from athetoid cerebral palsy and moderate hearing loss. Since Pauline got her scholarship in 2004 she’s been involved in fundraising and mentoring for FSDP.
Pauline also administers Aerobility operations at Prestwick Flying Club, her local flying club, and is now an officer in her local Air Training Corps squadron, with which she’s been involved since being a cadet as a teenager. Pauline flew her first solo flight in April 2011 and is working toward a Private Pilot’s Licence.
Explaining her reasons for taking part, she said: “FSDP helped me realise my dream of flying a light aircraft solo. Further flight training - to gain a Private Pilot’s Licence - has been supported by Aerobility, the other beneficiary of the Challenge.”
“FSDP gave me a way forward with the medical certification necessary for flying. It’s given me so much - for example the confidence to stand up and speak to a room full of strangers. Flying solo for the first time was the realisation of a dream I’ve had since I was four years old.”
“Thanks to Paul and Andy, the Freedom of Flight Relay Challenge will be able spread the word about FSDP, Aerobility and its goals and to give someone else that way forward, as well as the confidence to make their dream come true.”
Paul Barnett said: “As soon as Pauline contacted me I knew I had to help, so I could share my passion for the freedom of flying with people less able to enjoy it through disability. This is a great event and I urge other businesses to support it.”
Andy Lothian said: “Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of flight. The Relay Challenge enables many more to do so – particularly some of those who may not otherwise have the chance. It’s a great cause.”
Further information on the Relay Challenge, including ways to get in contact and provide support, is available at www.freedom-of-flight.co.uk
