After meeting representatives from Flying for Freedom, volunteers from the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans were inspired to arrange a special flying day for veterans.
Flying for Freedom provides recovery support to Wounded, Injured and Sick (WIS) Service personnel and veterans through the challenge and exhilaration of flying. The not-for-profit is entirely run by volunteers many of whom are themselves WIS and is supported by some of the world’s most experienced microlight pilots.
The Taxi Charity originally scheduled the flying day for 4 October, but Storm Amy brought heavy rain and strong winds to much of the UK, forcing a postponement. The event was rearranged for Saturday 11 October, and this time the weather couldn’t have been better, blue skies and calm winds greeted the veterans as they arrived at Popham Airfield, southwest of Basingstoke, Hampshire.
Working in collaboration with Blesma and Pilgrim Bandits, four volunteer Taxi Charity drivers transported veterans to the site, where the group was warmly welcomed with bacon rolls. Among the participants were two Chelsea Pensioners, two veterans from Blesma, four former Paras, and a double amputee supported by Pilgrim Bandits who drove all the way from Cumbria to take part.
After a comprehensive safety briefing, veterans were kitted out in flying suits and helmets before taking to the skies. The day featured two Flexwing microlights courtesy of Flying for Freedom, and additional support from Airbourne Aviation, who provided fixed-wing experience flights, simulator sessions, and a hands-on C42 engine activity.
The flights offered breathtaking views over the Hampshire countryside, including Highclere Castle, famed as the filming location for Downton Abbey. Each flight lasted around 30 minutes and the smiles afterwards said it all.
Terry Ward, Trustee of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, who organised the event, said:
“It was an absolute joy to see the excitement and pride on the veterans’ faces as they took to the skies. We’re incredibly grateful to Flying for Freedom and Airbourne Aviation for making this possible. It was a day full of camaraderie, laughter, and inspiration and we’re already looking forward to doing something similar next year.”
Graham Hennigan from Flying for Freedom added:
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone at the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans for helping make our recent Veterans Air Experience Day at Popham Airfield such a huge success. Thanks to your team’s dedication and generosity, we were able to take around a dozen guests including veterans, and Taxi Charity volunteers flying in our Flexwing microlights. The feedback from the day was truly inspiring, with several veterans commenting on how uplifting the experience was for them.”
The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans would like to extend its sincere thanks to everyone at Flying for Freedom, Airbourne Aviation, Blesma, Pilgrim Bandits, and its own volunteer London cab drivers for making this unforgettable day possible.
To find out more about the events that the Taxi Charity provides for veterans from all conflicts, visit www.taxicharity.org
