I might not be able to walk, but I can fly

by "ttyymmnn" (ttyymmnn)
Published 04/10/2017 at 10:31

Tags: Planelopnik
STARS: 4

For North Carolina pilot Justin Falls, who suffered a spinal cord injury that restricts him to a wheel chair, flying an airplane represents a freedom denied him on the ground.

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Replies (4)

"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
04/10/2017 at 11:01, STARS: 1

That’s awesome - a great read to start on a Monday morning. Great to see him doing the things he wants to do, and not being held back. Also “I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so I had about 20 hours before soloing.” Shit - I had over 40, 20 hours isn’t slow by any stretch.

"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
04/10/2017 at 12:42, STARS: 1

While on layover several years ago, I got into a conversation with a pilot about flying with SCI. I ended up finding out there are hand controls for planes and a whole community of disabled pilots. Someday, I’d love to learn to fly, but I fear money and family priorities will get in the way. At least I can still go up with my dad, who learned while in the Air Force.

"ttyymmnn" (ttyymmnn)
04/10/2017 at 13:00, STARS: 1

Despite my interest in aviation, I have no interest in learning to fly. I have never felt comfortable in small aircraft.

"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
04/10/2017 at 13:42, STARS: 1

Then you definitely wouldn’t want to fly with my dad. Growing up, we knew that at least once in every flight, he would cut the throttle and drop 100 ft. or so as a surprise. Worse than a roller coaster (or better, depending on your point of view). I’ve always been comfortable in those Piper Cubs, etc. Put me in the back seat, and I tend to fall asleep under a sun beam coming through the window.