Hi from kelw77

[kelw77]

Hi, My name is Kelvin White. I am 64 years old and recently retired from my position as owner/operator of a Residential Aged Care Facility in Brisbane. I have been involved in flying for about 35 years as a glider pilot with motor glider certification. In 2001 I moved from Melbourne to Brisbane. Since 2007 I have been incapacitated by a spinal tumour and am now disabled. Between 1975 and 2006 I was gliding at least every 2-3 weeks, I have amassed approx 970 hours predominantly as P1.

 

My interest in ultralights was activated when I heard of the Sinus/Virus motor gliders, I intended to purchase one when I retired. My disability has caused me to re-think and it doesn't seem that I will be able to own one now. The Virus, being a high wing aeroplane does offer me some hope of flying as a passenger at least as I think I could get into the plane. Unfortunately climbing into a glider or low wing aeroplane is virtually inpossible.

 

I am hoping to visit the "Rag, tube, wood" fly-in at Heck Field in Qld, October 2010. A flight in a Virus or Sinus is my goal, to see if I can realistically take up flying again. Hope I may meet some of you there.

 

 

[Guest davidh10]

to the forums, Kelvin.

 

Sorry to hear of your incapacitation, but you have a plan to aim for, and I wish you all the best in your efforts to achieve it. I'm sure there will be other pilots who would assist as needed to help you realise your flying goal.

 

I'm aware of a person who was left with a disability after an accident, but now still has flights as PIC with a CFI on board to assist if / where necessary. Maybe this offers another option for you, apart from passenger.

 

Perhaps changing the aircraft type to one that better suits your situation may help. You are obviously already thinking down this line, but maybe if your current choice does not work, there is something else that will work :)

 

Best wishes

 

 

[dazza 38]

:wave:Welcome Kelvin.I hope you enjoy it here with us.

 

 

[Spin]

Ditto what those above have said - always makes me take a moment to re-evaluate my priorities when I hear a story like yours, ie do I really have to finish that report this weekend or should I rather take my son flying. Seize the day! As you're probably aware, the agent for the Sinus/Virus is a member at Jacobs Well and will quite possibly be involved at the fly in. Why not try and tee something up beforehand? I, and a few others from the forums will be there and look forward to saying G'Day.

 

Regards Carl

 

 

[Neil_S]

Hi Kelvin,

 

Welcome to the site! I am sure you will be able to find a way to fly, either as passenger or pilot - where there's a will there's a way!

 

Best of luck to you - and let us know how you get on.

 

Cheers

 

Neil

 

 

[Gnarly Gnu]

Welcome Kelvin, I was glad to read about your positive attitude despite the setbacks! All the best....