When Mike Miller-Smith was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and lost his flying career his participation in what was to become Aerobility enabled him to span two very different sectors - aviation and charity
What does Aerobility do?
We introduce people with injuries, disabilities and illness to the thrill of flight. The beauty of the sky and the earth below can inspire someone to change their life, to realise their ability and discover new skills. Aerobility offers specialist instruction, an understanding environment and the necessary support.
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© AerobilityMiller-Smith: enjoys seeing the impact of what Aerobility achieves |
What is your background and how did your involvement start?
I have always been an aviation enthusiast, going solo in a glider on my 16th birthday and joining the junior British gliding team by age 18. I earned my PPL working at flying schools and gained a basic commercial licence after I graduated from university.
The seeds for my future involvement with Aerobility began shortly afterwards when I noticed some muscle weakness in my arms. I was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and lost my career in commercial aviation. For the next 14 years I worked in IT and marketing. During this time I progressively became disabled, to the extent that I now use an electric wheelchair.
I first read about the British Disabled Flying Club as it was then called in 2003, and was frustrated by the fact that they were focused around spinal injuries and more mobile disabilities than mine. I went along to a club meeting and began to help out. The rest, as they say, is history.
Describe a typical day
A typical day alternates between two very different worlds, the aviation sector and the charity sector. As an aviation service provider the focus is on the aircraft operation, the maintenance, instructors, service provision and all the regulatory paperwork. This contrasts starkly with the softer world of charitable goals. My day yesterday started with a presentation to local government of the social benefits of user-led organisations. Then it was up to the airfield to welcome 10 disabled teenagers. I was assisted by a young soldier who lost his leg in Afghanistan roadside bomb earlier this year, and who now is spending a month with us learning to fly. Our ethos of involving everyone is extremely powerful.
What is the most fulfilling part?
Seeing the impact of what we do. You can see the change in people, their confidence and renewed vigour for life is always striking. I also enjoy the business side. Our activities have increased tenfold in the last four years. As word spreads we are overrun by demand and scaling the operation is challenging!
And the worst bit?
Our transition from a small volunteer-run charity to one with much more capability has led to a steep increase in financial demands. As soon as you add even one salary, funding requirements go up quickly. Also, the current financial climate has required us to be very creative. Our 2011 priority is to build up a reserve to ensure we don't come unstuck.
Ambitions for your role and the charity?
As with any charity, our main ambition is to have financial security. I feel passionately about developing the capability to fly more seriously disabled people from point to point rather than taking off and landing at the same airfield.
We would also love to create our own "centre of ability" - a building on an airfield with office space, a classroom, a flight simulator suite and disabled accommodation. I also believe that the long-term success of Aerobility lies in partnering with the commercial sector. It is very important that we continue to challenge the perceptions of the industry and help increase awareness and knowledge of disability across the market.
Source: Flight International
