UK’s first Virtual Aviation Experience for disabled people launched

Disabled people throughout the UK, can now learn the fundamentals of piloting an aeroplane by flying a realistic flight simulator, under the guidance of an instructor, from the comfort of their own home as part of a unique new programme launched by Aerobility.

The Virtual Aviation Experience (VAE) is supported by the Department for Transport and opens up the world of aviation to a community of people that might previously have felt it was beyond their capability.

The aim is to provide 1,000 flying experiences a year by 2025. VAE flyers receive three one-hour sessions, made up of a 30-minute ground briefing followed by a 30-minute, simulator flight directed by their pilot or instructor. Delivered over three days, each one builds on the previous session until flyers can make decisions, manage a workload, and practice hand eye co-ordination while developing situational awareness including interacting with others, without leaving their homes.

Mike Miller-Smith, CEO of Aerobility, said: “The Virtual Aviation Experience is the merger of flight school and simulator and delivers it to any disabled person throughout the UK through their computer. This exciting new programme will help us support those disabled people who are unable to make it to our centres at Blackbushe Airport and Tatenhill Airfield.

“It will also provide a realistic introduction to piloting one of Aerobility’s aircraft, so should the bug take hold, VAE flyers will have a head-start when coming to fly with us for real.”

The courses are led by Aerobility pilots, volunteers and flight instructors and are free of charge for those who get a place on one of the courses. The courses are for adults and children aged 12 and above. Applicants should be able to control a computer.

After completing the course, those interested in furthering their aviation experience, can visit Aerobility at Blackbushe in Hampshire or Tatenhill in Staffordshire to. VAE flyers will also receive a certificate of completion.

Mike added: “VAE is for beginners, people who have never had the chance to fly an aeroplane before. Everyone with a disability who has dreamed of experiencing the freedom of the skies can now do so from their home with VAE.

“I really encourage anyone who has dreamed of flying a plane to apply for one of the VAE places - it could change your life.”

You can apply to VAE today at www.aerobility.com/vae-application