The childhood dreams of a disabled man from Walsall become reality as he pilots an aircraft into Birmingham Airport

Monday 27th January 2025

Kevin Arblaster, 54 from Walsall, plans to fly a Piper PA-28 aircraft into Birmingham International Airport for the first time. This flight will mark the last entry in his first pilot logbook, after his dreams of becoming a pilot were made possible with the help of UK charity, Aerobility.

Local disabled man Kevin grew up under the aircraft approach path of Birmingham Airport. Watching the aircraft, Kevin never believed he could pilot one due to his cerebral palsy, let alone achieve a Pilot’s Licence. Fast forward 20 years, not only does he have a Pilot’s Licence, but he has also done so much flying that he has managed to fill an entire logbook. To commemorate the journey that he has been on so far, Kevin has big plans. During February, he will pilot an aircraft from Tatenhill Airfield to Birmingham International Airport where for him, at the age of seven his passion began as he grew up under the flight path to the airport. 

This has all been made possible by the charity Aerobility, a globally unique charity that enables people with disabilities the chance to take the skies and learn how to fly an aircraft. Kevin began flying training with Aerobility in 2007. With the support of the charity, he came to realise his once ‘unimaginable’ dream could become a reality. ‘I thought after my first solo, maybe I can do it!’ and he did. Kevin now flies regularly from Tatenhill Airfield in the Midlands filling up his logbook with over 400 hours. Now on the last page, it only seems right that he visits the place where it all began.

Mike Miller-Smith MBE, Chief Executive of Aerobility states “At Aerobility it is our privilege to meet amazing disabled people like Kevin every day, and to be able to use the magic of the skies to demonstrate ability within all of us is so rewarding. If I can fly, what else can I do?”

Kevin Arblaster

Photo credit (Paul Humphries Photography)

About Aerobility

Aerobility is a charity which changes lives by allowing anyone, with any disability, to experience the magic and wonder of flight. The organisation provides access to modified light aircraft and equipment, giving every disabled person the unique chance to spread their wings. Find out more about Aerobility by visiting their website: [www.aerobility.com]www.aerobility.com