	Week Beginning 04/02/2010

Walking on Air: Gliding for people with a disability

Walking on Air – A brief introduction to what we are about.

Walking on Air is a Scottish Charity set up within the structure of the Scottish Gliding Union based at Portmoak Airfield, Kinross with the objective of providing gliding for people with disability. Safety is always the foremost consideration and with correct training and appropriate adaptations to the aircraft it is more often than not possible for people with a disability to safely control the aircraft. In theses circumstances it is possible for people with a disability to learn to fly and some go on to fly solo or even become instructors themselves.

Walking on Air is a friendly and welcoming club, which meets each Friday to fly the specially adapted two-seat Schleicher K21 training glider from Portmoak Airfield. Hand controls are available in the K21 to enable people with lower limb disabilities to take control under instruction. Newcomers receive friendly and supportive instruction from qualified instructors and can enjoy the delights of flying in a safe environment, on beautiful local hills under expert supervision. Portmoak airfield is one of the best ridge soaring sites in Scotland and hours of fun can be had at the controls of the specially adapted glider. At the clubhouse you will find good disabled access including designated parking, disabled toilets and shower room and a welcoming cafeteria.

An initial flight will cost £10 for membership and insurance, £7 for the launch on a winch and around 25 pence per minute there after. So for a 20 minute flight, the cost is around £25.

For more details, please call Andrew Gordon on 01383 850286 or Irene on 01592 84022