Many disablities do not preclude flying solo. Each case must be decided on its merits, and safety is the only issue. Anyone who has sound senses and a sound upper body can fly a glider, and control rather than strength is the main requirement.

We have built a Seat Hoist to ease the problems of getting into and out of a glider for wheelchair-bound people or others with restricted movement.

It's impossible to fly solo if you can't use the rudder. We have a hand-rudder adaptation for the K21, which allows the rudder to be controlled by a lever at the pilot's left hand, instead of the rudder pedals.

The K21 is a two-seater trainer that flies reasonably well cross-country, and which can also be flown solo. The rudder control works from the front and back seats, so a disabled pilot can progress to P1 or instructor ratings.

We have one disabled pilots at Stratford. Tony has limited use of his legs, and can walk with some difficulty. He is a Silver 'C' pilot and flies cross-country regularly.