Disabled Pilot Takes Flight

55 year old Tim Ellison, a former RAF fighter pilot, has become the first qualified disabled hot air balloon pilot in Europe.

Tim became disabled in 1992 after the Harrier jump jet he was flying suffered engine failure as it hovered 100 feet above the runway. The plane crashed at the RAF Wittering base in Cambridgeshire, leaving Tim’s spine broken in five places.  As a result, Tim’s been in a wheelchair ever since.

Perseverance

Following the accident, Tim sued the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for neglegance, claiming the aircraft had not been properly maintained.  Eventually the Minsitry agreed to an out of court settlement, paying £1.5 million in damages.

Tim’s crash didn’t deter him from flying and, determined to move on with his life, he set off for America to become the first paraplegic in the world to gain the highest level of pilot qualification, the Airline Transport Pilot’s License.

Now, in addition, Tim has qualified to become a hot air balloon pilot and wants to encourage other disabled people into flying.

Tim explains: “It’s a huge step forward as far as disabled aviation and disabled balloon flying is concerned.  Balloon flying is much more accessible, much cheaper and more available than flying planes.”

Special Adaptations

In order to allow him to fly the hot air balloon, Tim worked with his friend Brian Jones to create a specially adapted chair to be used in place of the traditional balloon basket.  His long term goal is work with his charity, Aerobility, to encourage more disabled people to engage in disabled aviation and experience the fun for themselves.

Now Tim is fully qualified to pilot hot air balloons, his next step is teach others how to fly them.

“We’re working at the moment to try and provide flying scholarships”, says Tim.

“It’s surprisingly easy to get the basics, as you only need 16 hours of instruction to take the test.”

To find out more about opportunities for disabled people to fly call 0303 303 1230 or clickAerobility here.