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.

FMI: www.fly2help.org/, http://fly2help-aerobaticchallengeweekend.blogspot.com, www.justgiving.com/jasonphelan