Nonpilot Will Ride Along On Dozens Of Aerobatic Maneuvers
United Kingdom resident Jason Phelan
usually prefers his feet securely on the ground and firmly under
his desk at Civil Aviation Authority HQ in Gatwick. However, in aid
of aviation charity 'fly2help' he plans to see the world from a
very new and unusual perspective... while working his way through
as many aerobatic sequences as possible over three consecutive
days.
Phelan, a resident of Lavant near Chichester, hopes to raise
both awareness and £5,000 (around $7,200 US) for the aviation
charity 'fly2help', based at Kemble Airport in Gloucestershire.
fly2help aims to lift people's horizons via the medium of
flight, working with individuals, groups and like-minded charities
to stretch physical, mental and emotional boundaries that have been
set by a life trauma or tragedy. Aiming to inspire imagination,
determination, self-esteem and confidence in their clients,
fly2help are committed to supporting the terminally ill,
chronically sick, bereaved and those who simply need a 'life
boost.'
This can include those who have suffered extreme neglect and
abuse, and those who face exclusion from society on a regular basis
as a result of mental ill-health, sickness, disability, injury or
poverty.
"fly2help works to turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary
adventure for many very brave and special people," said Mandy
Pantall, Marketing Director for fly2help, "but fly2help's work,
along with the very nature of flying, involves huge costs;
therefore, it really is only through the generous donations and
support of others like Jason, that we can fund our ambitious aims
and share so many blue skies, adventures and smiles with those who
need them most."
Phelan -- who is not a pilot --
hopes to hold onto his stomach while experiencing as many aerobatic
routines... in as many varied aircraft... from as many airfields as
possible... all over one weekend, starting April 24. During this
challenge, each aerobatic maneuver will be counted to have a grand
total by type and amount performed -- i.e. Loops 25, Rolls 32, etc
-- while crossing the country to as many airfields that the
challenge can be flown from.
Phelan first found out about fly2help when he met Pantall at
Goodwood Aero Club in 2008. "Mandy's story inspired me to help
fly2help support those less fortunate than myself, so that they too
can experience the exhilaration and excitement of flight... and
here I am," said Phelan. "I must be crazy!"
Jason and fly2help have the support of some of the UK's top
civilian airshow display teams, along with airfields and aero
clubs, all of whom have so generously donated aircraft, fuel,
pilots and their time to this cause. A schedule of planned events
is available at the first FMI link below.