Paraplegic Pilot Flies Solo from the UK to Australia

posted on May 20 by Admin in the Advocacy, Disability News, Spinal Cord Injury, Wheelchair Sports category

Dave Sykes, a 43-year-old paraplegic pilot who requires a wheelchair for mobility when he is on the ground, is winging his way into the record books by flying a microlight aircraft from Yorkshire, England to Sydney, Australia. By remaining in the air for seven to eight hours per day and covering distances of around 500 miles each day, Sykes will be the first person, disabled or otherwise, to fly the distance in a microlight aircraft.

In 1993, Sykes was on his way to work on his motorcycle. While passing a car, the other vehicle swerved into his motorcycle, causing him to crash. Sykes suffered critical injuries, including a broken spine, ribs, temporary loss use of one of his arms, and punctured both of his lungs. Doctors gave Sykes a poor prognosis with only a 30% chance of survival. After six months in the hospital, to doctor’s amazement, Sykes emerged a paraplegic, but otherwise healthy.

Despite his injuries, Sykes continued his daredevil dreams, taking up parachuting. After an accident that left him with a broken leg, his girlfriend threatened to leave if he didn’t give up the sport. It was then that Sykes discovered microlighting. Ten years later, with a customized microlight, Sykes is ready to embark on his record breaking journey.

Built by Britain’s P&M Aviation Quik, Sykes’ 450 kilogram microlight is customized with specially modified hand controls that enable him to fly without the use of his legs. Affectionately named the “Flying Motorbike,” Sykes’ aircraft reaches speeds of up to 90 mph and is fitted with a lightweight, aluminum wheelchair in the back of the machine.

The epic journey is an astounding 11,600-mile flight over 18 countries. Fifty-five stops are planned at both major international airports and small airfields, and Sykes will overnight in hotels at some stops or camp at others. If he were doing nothing else, the camping alone will be a major feat for Sykes, since no aides will accompany him on his journey. Sykes’ flight also marks the 80th anniversary of Amy Johnson’s record flight as the first woman to fly solo to the southern continent.

Sykes is flying to raise money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. As he flies, he continues to seek sponsors to donate funds to meet his £20,000 goal. The flight will take him 6 to 8 weeks, with the final portion of the route taking him through Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia before landing in Sydney, hopefully ahead of Asia’s monsoon season. Sykes will be flying without a parachute on board, stating should a problem occur, he would be able to glide the microlight to a safe landing.

Source: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/around-yorkshire/local-stories/paraplegic_pilot_heading_down_under_in_his_flying_motorbike_1_3332662