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COME JOIN US!

Freedom's Wings International

Freedom's Wings International (FWI) is a non-profit organization run by and for people with physical disabilities.

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❝I was once again immersed in the beautiful world that only gliding can showcase.[…]
It is an experience that I will cherish forever. I can’t wait until next year!❞
-Lauren O.Company Name
❝Thank you to everyone for making it possible for me to go soaring. I enjoyed the whole experience from watching others go up in the air and then getting my turn […]❞
-Ed M.Company Name
❝This is the third or fourth time I have been part of the Freedom’s Wings event and I always have had an awesome time. The anticipation of being hundreds of feet in the air is quite a feeling.❞
John S.Company Name
❝A Fun, Fantastic Flight Experience❞
❝I had officially done it! It was so beautiful in the air, and so peaceful. I am so happy that I was able to do this. Thank you for making me feel so special. This is a wonderful opportunity and I encourage everyone to try it.[…] Thank you all again!❞
Patti D.Company Name
❝Being confined to the wheelchair I have an opportunity to act in a 3-dimensional environment and from above one has a feeling of a kind of distance from any problems left on the ground. Flying also teaches discipline and brings confidence. Once again, joining FWI was a giant leap in my life.❞
Kris L.
Pilot/Instructor trained by FWICompany Name

Our Mission

  • Introducing persons with disabilities to the soaring experience
  • Teaching qualified persons with disabilities to soar
  • Providing facilities for soaring to those persons with disabilities able to soar
  • Providing training for instructors, ground crew, and flying students
  • Providing a non-profit educational and fraternal organization
  • Serving as a resource and model for other organizations with similar intent

  • Freedom’s Wings works closely with local and national organizations for people with physical disabilities and encourages organizations to learn more about our programs.

Get Involved & Feel the Freedom!

Take an Introductory Flight With Us!

Even wonder what it’s like to fly like a bird? To be up near the clouds in a motorless glider, silently circling with the hawks and eagles? Sign up for an introductory flight and you’ll have a thrill of a lifetime!

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Our History – Founded in 1981

Freedom’s Wings was founded in 1981 by Irv and Mary D’Angelo-Soble. At an aviation exhibition, they had a life-changing encounter with a woman in a wheelchair. Her dream was to learn to fly. Irv and Mary pledged to make that happen.

Full History
Get Your Wings!
Flight Training Program

With Freedom’s Wings you can take a ride in one of our sailplanes or learn to fly with one of our flight instructors certified by the FAA. Freedoms Wings provides all the instruction and plane use. You will be given all the glider flight training you need to fly the plane safely, progress to solo, and get your glider pilot license!

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Support Our Work
Donate | Volunteer

FWI depends entirely upon the generosity of our members and the organizations and friends who support our activities. There are many ways that you can help. Flying, storing and maintaining our fleet of gliders is not cheap. And we always need volunteers to help at the airport and at other events.
Volunteers often get a chance to fly.

DONATE

Explore The World of Soaring…

…with an Organization Dedicated to Those With Disabilities
Imagine soaring high above, in the silence, with the hawks and eagles.
There’s a freedom that comes with flying — a bird’s eye view of the fields, hills, rivers, lakes and communities.

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Freedom’s Wings News

Glider Pilot Ground School 2026

Starting Soon: Glider Pilot Ground School
First session: Saturday, January 31st, 2026
(then Feb 7, Feb 14, Feb 21, Feb 28)
10:00am to 1:30pm
Hosted by Philadelphia Glider Council (PGC)
Perkasie, PA
Read More

Photo Gallery

Upcoming Events & Flying Days



CALENDAR 2026

FWI Annual Member & Volunteers Meeting
Saturday, February 21st
10:30am to 12:30pm
Hunterdon County Library Headquarters Branch
Flemington, NJ
More details


Glider Pilot Ground School
Starting January 31st!
Saturdays (5 sessions): Jan 31, Feb 7, Feb 14, Feb 21, Feb 28
From 10:00 AM
Location: Live in the PGC Classroom, or Online.
Flyer has registration info
Flyer (pdf) | More details


2025 (older)

Freedom’s Wings International Free Ride Event – Helen Hayes Hospital (finished)
Thursday, September 18th
9am to 6pm
Van Sant Airport
Erwinna, PA
Thanks to all volunteers!
More details & RSVP


Freedom’s Wings International Free Ride Event (finished)
Saturday & Sunday, June 21st & 22nd
10am to 5pm
Hosted by Philadelphia Glider Council (PGC), Perkasie, PA
(Generously supported by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation)
More details & Registration | View on Calendar | FWI Brochure (pdf)


FWI Annual Member & Volunteers Meeting (finished)
Saturday, February 22nd
12 noon to 2pm
Hunterdon County Library Headquarters Branch
Flemington, NJ
More details


Glider Pilot Ground School (finished)
Starting January 25th!
Saturdays (5 sessions): Jan 25, Feb 1, Feb 8, Feb 22, Mar 1
From 10:00 AM
Location: Live in the PGC Classroom, or Online.
Flyer has registration info
Flyer (pdf) | More details


2024 (older)

Van Sant Airport Holiday Hangar Party
(finished)
Saturday, December 15th
3pm to 5pm
Van Sant Airport, Erwinna, PA
Please RSVP: fwiglide@gmail.com
More details

Women in Aviation Event (finished)
Saturday, August 23rd
Van Sant Airport, Erwinna, PA

Introductory Flights (finished)
Saturday, July 13th
Van Sant Airport, Erwinna, PA

Introductory Flights
Late Summer / Autumn Weekends
(Dates To Be Determined)
Van Sant Airport, Erwinna, PA
Blairstown Airport, Blairstown, NJ

Full Calendar
Gallery: PGC Event (2025)
Gallery: Blairstown Event (2015)