A Study in Graciousness
Surrey, U.K.-based Aerobytes, a provider of FDM / FOQA / MFOQA / MOQA / FDA software and analytical-tools to fixed- and rotary-wing operators, has agreed to gift a substantial financial sponsorship package to Aerobility, a British charity about the commendable work of providing disabled individuals access to the independence-fostering challenge of piloting an aircraft.
Aerobytes’s munificence will sustain Aerobility’s mission, underwriting the charity’s core operational costs and facilitating additional investment in the dignity and self-actualization and of the individuals borne aloft by dint of Aerobility’s commitment to “opening the skies to everyone, regardless of their challenges.”
Across the broad sphere of human endeavor, few undertakings instantiate freedom from restriction so powerfully as flight. This axiomatic truth is particularly well understood by Aerobility’s founders and staff, many of whom are, themselves, disabled aviators.
Through various fundraising initiatives and thoughtful management strategies, Aerobility allows disabled individuals to get behind the controls of an aircraft for a fraction of the commercial rate.
2023 marks Aerobility’s thirtieth-year of providing opportunities for people of all ages and physical abilities to learn to fly—either directly, in aircraft, or virtually, from their homes.
Previously the principal supporter of Vulcan XH558 and sponsor of both The Blades Aerobatic Team and The Blades Air-Race Team, Aerobytes is a leading concern in the field of Flight Data Monitoring (FDM).
Aerobytes managing director Eddie Forrester set forth: “Our support provides Aerobility with a long-overdue and stable platform to build upon. This will enable Aerobility to deliver longer-term and sustainable plans to make aviation inclusive to all.”
Mr. Forrester continued: “And of course, it is also an opportunity for us—through our sponsorship—to improve awareness of our brand to a diverse cross-section of the aviation community. I have been a part of the aviation industry for more than 20 years, and I have yet to meet anyone notable who is not aware of Aerobility and its ethos. Aerobility engenders respect and admiration, and we are proud to associate the Aerobytes brand with this unique flying charity.”
Emma Forrester added: “Aerobility is an amazing charity. I don’t know anyone that has ever been introduced to Aerobility and what it does and has not been in awe at its ability to transform lives. Mike and the team provide individuals with disabilities, who would otherwise be largely isolated, with a caring community of people who share their love of aviation."
Aerobility CEO Mike Miller-Smith remarked: “Eddie and Emma Forrester have been private supporters of Aerobility for many years. We are delighted that they have stepped in as principal sponsors of Aerobility and, as a result of that agreement, we now proudly carry the Aerobytes logo on our aircraft, vehicles, website and building signage. This financial support for us guarantees a high-quality of service provision for disabled people. The underwriting of our core costs means we can concentrate on what is important, which is opening the skies to everyone.”
Operating from Hampshire's Blackbushe Airport (BBS) and Staffordshire’s Tatenhill Airfield (EGBM/ICAO), Aerobility’s mission takes its aircraft and instructors across the larger part of the United Kingdom. Disabled individuals interested in applying for Aerobility scholarships are invited to do so by visiting the organization’s website.