Of the aerial sports that you can find in Yumping, the flight without motor is one of the most relaxing. It offers us, without a doubt, unique sensations thanks to which you will see aerial landscapes in an ecological way, since no noise is produced or energy is consumed, by taking advantage of thermal currents.
But, since when can practice gliding flight people with motor disabilities ?
Until not long ago, the acquisition of the glider pilot title was not allowed for people with motor disabilities, despite the fact that in other European countries such as Germany or France, they had been acquiring it for many years.
Since 2008 and thanks to the association of pilots with disabilities "Flying Chairs" together with the collaboration of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation, SENASA (State Society for Aeronautical Education), PREDIF (Representative Platform State of the Physically Disabled) and the Vodafone Foundation, approval is obtained from the government and the corresponding publication in the BOE of the ORDER FOM/2362/2008, of July 29, which establishes special rules on the title and license of glider pilot for people with motor disabilities.
Why gliding?
It really is an opportunity for people with disabilities to feel freer and fly, something they are not usually used to. Up there you can feel that there is no type of architectural barrier that can generally be found on earth. It is an authentic experience that no one should miss, since the feeling of freedom that is experienced is unique.
Elisabeth Heilmeyer became the first disabled person licensed for gliding in our country. Why is it so special? He precisely lost mobility in his legs due to a plane accident that, unlike what would happen to many of us, did not stop him from continuing to fly and he fought to recover his license.
No more and no less than 8 years it took him to reach his final goal, but he does not regret his fight, as he affirms that "in the air we are all equal". Along the way he created the association "Flying chairs", which serves as support for all those people with disabilities interested in acquiring a pilot's license.
How to fly under sail?
The plane is adapted but to get your pilot's license it will be enough to take a gliding course in Ocaña, where you will surely find the possibility first of enjoying a baptism of flying thanks to which you will get started in this practice and, if you like the experience, to be able to take a pilot course, later.
The instructor will explain everything you need to know to pilot it and the registration will include all the material you need to carry it out, as well as the theoretical and practical classes.
Learn about the different types of sailing flight and choose which one you like the most, since nothing is impossible if you want it badly...
