Soaring like a bird is a heady experience even for those who take for granted the ability to move almost effortlessly through our mostly two dimensional world; walking, running, biking, all without the need for any special devices or support. Now, imagine the contrast that soaring provides for those routinely dependent on crutches or wheelchairs. This freedom from earthly bonds is what Freedom's Wings International (FWI) provides to individuals with disabilities.

Founded in 1983 FWI is a non-profit organization operated by and for people with physical disabilities. They provide the opportunity for those with physical limitations to experience soaring in specially adapted sailplanes either as a passenger or as a participant in a flight-training program.

On May 19th and 20th Freedom's Wings International, a division of SSA, and the Philadelphia Glider Council (PGC), one of the nation's oldest glider clubs, teamed up to host a weekend of soaring for persons with disabilities at the PGC field in Hilltown, PA.

Over several months invitations were sent out to area rehabilitation hospitals, veteran groups and other community service providers resulting in a full slate of introductory flights scheduled for both days. Weather for the event was a concern from the start. Originally the rides were scheduled during prime foliage season last October but had to be cancelled both days due to heavy rain. Fortunately Saturday morning was crisp and breezy with cumulus clouds forming early. This would be a perfect day for soaring if the wind did not become too strong and gusty.

Our first participant, George, arrived as scheduled shortly after 10:00. He set aside his crutches and was carefully assisted into the front seat of the Freedom's Wings Grob 103 glider with the help of our volunteers. In a matter of minutes he was airborne and at long last we were underway. Upon landing George could not stop grinning. His was the first of many smiles we would experience throughout the day.

Patti logged the last flight in the late afternoon. She had just driven 6 ½ hours from Connecticut to experience the world of soaring and we were determined not to disappoint. Her ride lasted over one hour - the longest of the day which only seemed fair given her effort to join us.

Saturday's flying activities were capped off with an enjoyable cookout hosted by PGC. Members of both clubs took advantage of the opportunity to congratulate each other on a very successful and rewarding first day. Dennis Wright, SSA's executive director, had flown east to observe our event as well as visit other clubs. All of us appreciated the opportunity to talk with him about the challenges facing our sport and the participation of persons with disabilities in local clubs.

Our good luck did not hold for the forecast for Sunday was ominous. Severe weather accompanying the passage of a cold front was expected by early afternoon. A decision was made to keep the morning flights but reschedule all the afternoon rides to a weekend in June.

We did end the event on a high note. Lee took the last flight and was so ecstatic upon landing that she joined Freedom's Wings as a member and took her first instructional flight just one week later!

The pure joy and smiles of the participants touched all of us and were ample reward for the preparation and hard work by the members of both clubs.

Bill, who flew with us on Sunday, commented "…I love the fact that you can get out of your wheelchair and fly in the sky with the birds and all the clouds and forget about any stress you may be having at the time. It was great therapy and it doesn't end when you land. It has been days since I flew and I am still on cloud nine."

Persons with disabilities enjoy sport and recreation as much as persons without disabilities. Our joint event introduced the sport we all love to persons who have a very limited ability to participate in any sport. Steve stated…"It was an experience I thought was not possible for me and so I am grateful beyond words. Soaring at 2500' for approximately 25 minutes was a taste of freedom I will treasure always. Thank you Freedom's Wings."

FWI is based at Van Sant Airport in Erwinna, PA just 14 miles northeast of PGC. The weekend's activities bought both clubs closer together. There was a shared responsibility in planning and staging the event and a shared joy in the outcome. In fact, planning for a similar event next year is already underway.

PGC is based in Hilltown, Pennsylvania and is one of the oldest and best equiped glider clubs in the country. You can learn more about them at www.pgcsoaring.org.

Any SSA club interested in introducing soaring to persons with disabilities in their community should contact us.

Persons with physical disabilities are invited to contact FWI anytime about an introductory ride or participating in an administrative capacity. FWI also needs and welcomes able-bodied volunteers interested in assisting and supporting our mission on the field and off. And last but not least, Freedom's Wings International is a 501(c) non-profit organization entirely supported by your contributions of which 100 percent is used to support our programs.

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