Meet some of the Scholars - Real People, Real Flying. |
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Mark Salter Until FSD Mark, a self-employed designer and jewellery maker, had led a somewhat solitary life. He had been a paraplegic for over 20 years since a motorbike accident at the age of 18. With the loss of mobility came the loss of confidence, aspirations and the ability to dream about the future. Mark achieved so much in his six weeks at the 43 Air School, South Africa and he stayed on at his own expense to achieve his PPL. During his stay he sent us the following email: “This has been the most amazing thing I’ve done in my life. I’ve cried tears of joy when flying in and out of the clouds. If the scholarship was set up to inspire or change people’s lives, it has been all that plus much more than you can possibly describe and I can’t thank all of you enough”. |
Mandy Pantall Mandy, a support worker, was no stranger to flying being a one-time member of the Utterly Butterly wing walking team. A horse riding accident left her with spinal injuries and unable to stand or walk without the aid of crutches. Following selection for a mini scholarship in 2005 Mandy applied for a full scholarship in 2006 and was awarded an NPPL scholarship at Goodwood which she passed with flying colours. She then upgraded it herself to a PPL. In reply to a question about her two scholarships, Mandy said “It has been truly the most encompassing, remarkable, challenging, intensive, tiring, fun, scary, rewarding and completely inspiring experience I could ever have wished for”. |
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Janine Broadbent Janine is a volunteer fund raiser for a children’s charity. The CAA doctor did not consider that she would get certification to fly abroad and so for the very first time FSD awarded her a National Private Pilot’s Licence at the Goodwood Flying School which she passed with flying colours! Janine was also the first FSD scholar to be awarded the “Wings Around the World” trophy and she is seen here alongside a statue of WWII Flying Ace Sir Douglas Bader, in whose memory FSD was founded. |
Martin Grinsted Because his father was in the RAF Martin is no stranger to the world of aviation. At University he took up scuba diving and loved it so much that that he went on to become an instructor. Then a few years ago he suffered an unexplained case of decompression sickness which left his lower limbs completely paralysed. Five months in hospital helped him to regain some control of his legs and he can now get around with the aid of elbow crutches. Martin is a teacher and he found his scholarship in South Africa “challenging, exciting, at times frustrating, but hugely enjoyable”. |
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Karen Sutherland Karen was born with cerebral palsy caused by her premature birth but she has tried to be independent in all aspects of her life: “If I had listened to everybody who told me all the things I would be unable to do, I certainly would not be where I am today. I try to see my disability as something that is a positive influence in my life and pushes me to succeed. Examples of this was learning to drive and organising, and participating in, a sky dive. Learning to fly was a real life changing experience which has given me a new perspective and started my passion to keep flying”.
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Andy Lewis Andy was all set to join the Parachute Regiment at the age of 16, when he was run over by a truck. Great efforts were made to save his leg over the ensuing two years, but eventually it had to be amputated. In his application for a scholarship, Andy wrote “I have always wanted to fly ever since I was a young boy. I used to a local airfield and clean the pilots’ aircraft and just do odd jobs; not for the money, but for them to take me flying at the next convenient time. After my accident I want to prove to my family and local people in my area who know my love of flying, that anything is possible if you put your mind to it – most people are convinced that I will never be allowed to fly”. They were wrong, because after his scholarship Andy persevered with his flying ambition and is now the proud possessor of a PPL. |
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Victoria Barr Victoria’s lower limbs are progressively becoming weaker. After her “amazing experience in South Africa” she wrote: “Flying provided the ultimate opportunity to see and experience new things both physically and mentally and in a way allowed me to forget the day to day hurdles that MD impacts on my life. I never expected things to be easy and I can definitely say they haven’t! But the difficulties have pushed personal boundaries and boosted confidence, showing that even with a disability, it is possible to achieve what you set your mind to”. |
Susan Hanisch Victim of an IRA bomb that exploded beside her in Victoria Station in London, Susan found
herself overwhelmed by her sudden and violent change in her physical condition. Besides having
to deal with her new disabilities, Susan felt her life had been irrevocably destroyed. Then
she saw an FSD advertisement. |
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Mike Rimmer From his earliest years Mike's burning ambition was to join the RAF as a pilot. A visit to
RAF Lakenheath in 1992 reinforced this desire especially after sitting in the cockpit of an F-15.
Mike's determination to overcome his physical debility was demonstrated by his passing his driving
test and this fired his flying
ambitions still further. |
Sandip Toprani Sandip was awarded a mini scholarship in 2002 and progressed to a full scholarship the following year at the College of Aviation, Western Michigan University where he flew solo and completed all his exams. |
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| Click here to read a Scholar's Diary or read another recent scholars's account by clicking here | |
