In 1994, The APT Charitable Trust was founded by Mr. James Edmonds. Their goal is to help people reclaim their faith in themselves and a sense of independence and self-worth so that they can tackle their challenges and discover new challenges and meaning in their lives. The APT Trust works from the Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury, Wiltshire, and uses specially converted CFM Shadow Microlight aircraft. The adjacent Shadow Flight Centre provides hangarage, servicing, and training. Contributions from everyone entirely fund the APT charity trust. Every dollar donated to APT allows us to continue restoring trust and mobility to persons whose lives have been devastated by the loss of limb function.
Furthermore, the list below is what the APT offers:
- Full-time operation since 1994
- Disabled Access and facilities
- CAA Approved Training facilities
- Flying Training for NPPL(M) license
- Low-cost Air Experience Flights. Custom-built aircraft for lower body disabilities
- Competitive aircraft hire rates to members once qualified. (No need to buy your own aircraft)
- A friendly social setting
- Support and guidance
- Group bookings
Disabled Pilot Training
A pilot’s license is not out of reach for disabled people. The APT Trust will help you get your NPPL(M) Licence. With their help, people with Tetraplegia, Paraplegia, MS, Polio, and other limb limitations have flown and trained. A CAA Flight Instructor must approve a training course for a National Private Pilot Licence Microlight rating.
The NPPL(M) course requires a minimum of 25 hours of teaching, 10 of which must be solo. Most students require a year or two to complete their training. An Air Experience Flight is the first step in obtaining a license. The Air Experience Flight introduces and familiarizes the student with the aircraft, the sensation of flight, and the view of the earth from above. All training is tailored to your specific needs and progresses at the student’s own speed.
What Aircraft Is Used For APT’s Disabled Pilot Training?
For the impaired pilots, CFM Aircraft Ltd. in Leiston, Suffolk, UK, manufactures two-seat Shadow CD’s that have been particularly modified to take into account their challenges.
Elegant, sophisticated and rugged, the Shadow has an unmatched track record for durability, safety and performance. It’s a joy to take to the skies.
The instructor is behind the student pilots in the front cockpit. Students should not exceed 13.5 stone (approx. 86 kilos).
G-MYLV is customized for persons with disabilities affecting both hands and legs. G-MYLV has been modified to include:
- Left-side throttle/rudder lever. (Throttle, rudder)
- Brakes are controlled by a lever behind the pilot’s head. (The left or right brake, or both, depends on the rudder lever position.)
- Suck blow trim, controlled via microphone boom tube.
- Large radio PTT switch. (Those with no finger movement can use their chin. It is still on the throttle/rudder lever for individuals with the left thumb function.
How Is APT Being Funded?
APT is a small charitable trust financed entirely by donors like you! T This year, they are focusing on raising awareness and funds for APT’s student training subsidy, maintenance, hangar costs, and insurance. APT organizes flying days to promote its work and raise awareness of its existence, but also to educate disabled people about APT and the challenges of flying. They have established a Sponsorship Fund to help disabled persons afford training and thereby fly.
If you desire to donate for APT and you’re a tax payer, they can claim your donation as a tax deduction. Use the Gift Aid form to help APT regain your tax. Make checks payable to APT and mail them to: APT Hanger 3, Old Sarum Airfield, The Portway, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 6DZ
