Why Pooleys is Proud to Support Aerobility
At Pooleys Flight Equipment, we have always believed that aviation should be open to everyone. That belief is why our support of Aerobility, a UK charity that has been changing lives through flight since 1993, means a great deal to us. And nobody illustrates what that support makes possible better than Malky, one of our Pooleys Ambassadors.
What Aerobility does
Aerobility gives disabled people, without exception, the opportunity to fly an aeroplane. Based at Blackbushe Airport in Surrey, the charity offers everything from introductory flights and full PPL training to youth programmes, group activity days, accessible aerobatics, and a virtual aviation experience for those who cannot get to an airfield in person.
The philosophy behind everything they do is simple: taking the controls of an aircraft shifts the focus from what you cannot do to what you can. For many of the people Aerobility works with, that shift is genuinely life-changing. Malky is a perfect example of that.
Malky's story
Malky is 36 years old and has lived with dystonia since the age of six. Dystonia is a neurological condition that affects the coordination between the brain and the muscles and limbs. Malky has undergone multiple brain surgeries and uses a wheelchair day to day. But she is doing something that most people around her will never do: she is learning to fly and is well on her way to obtaining her Private Pilot Licence.
It did not start easily. After visiting two flying clubs at London Southend Airport on impulse one day, Malky was told she had done impressively well in her first lesson - but that she would never qualify for a PPL because of her disability. She never went back.
Then she found Aerobility.
That was four years ago. Since then, Malky has logged approximately 25 hours of flying time. She has been awarded a scholarship sponsored by the Red Arrows - not once, but twice. And far from competing to prove what she can do, she is now doing something most people never will.
"Whatever your disabilities, you can reach to the stars."
The Pooleys connection
Malky's connection with Pooleys goes beyond her role as an Ambassador. After winning a flight manual from Pooleys, she was delighted to receive an entire Pooleys Starter Kit, complete with the flight-related equipment every student pilot needs. When she was recovering from surgery, Pooleys also sent her a little bear in a flying suit, complete with helmet and goggles - which now sits on her bedside table as her faithful flying mascot.
It is exactly the kind of relationship we are proud of. Practical support, at the right moment, for someone doing something extraordinary.
Last year's wingwalk
Always looking for the next challenge, Malky took on a wingwalk with Aerosuperbatics last year to raise funds for Aerobility. Standing on top of a plane as it takes off and flies is not something most people would volunteer for. Malky did not hesitate.
The response from everyone who knows her was tremendous, and at Aerobility's annual Aviators Ball - with the Red Arrows team in attendance - Malky was presented with the charity's Fundraiser of the Year award.
This year: the aerobatic wingwalk
Malky is not one to sit back and enjoy previous successes. This year she has signed up for the aerobatic wingwalk experience with Aerosuperbatics - and it is a step up from anything she has done before. This is not just standing on top of a plane. The aircraft will perform full aerobatic manoeuvres: loops, flips, and rolls.
The event is now under six weeks away, and every penny raised goes directly to Aerobility to help more disabled people access the freedom of flight.
If you would like to support Malky's wingwalk, you can donate here.
Find out more about Aerobility
To learn more about the charity, find out how to fly with them, or support their work, visit aerobility.com.
