Able Flight graduates 10th pilot

Jeremy Maddox of Georgia recently became the 10th person to earn his sport pilot certificate through an Able Flight scholarship.

Maddox, who uses a wheelchair because of a spinal cord injury, earned his certificate in 37 hours in a SkyArrow 600 that has been equipped with hand controls to allow the pilot to work the rudders. The scholarship was supported by a grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

Able Flight offers people with disabilities a way to challenge themselves through flight training, and by doing so, to gain greater self-confidence and self-reliance.

Able Flight is a national program supported by grants and sponsors including Jet Aviation, Bombardier, Perrone Aerospace, Hansen Air Group, King Schools, Cessna Aircraft, TBMOPA Foundation, and the East Cooper Pilots Association. The training is done at a handful of flight schools around the United States in LSA outfitted with hand controls.

For more information: AbleFlight.org.