Theory study materials sponsored
There was great excitement in the Bailey household on Monday, September 8, when a large box arrived at the 'Pine Hills' mailbox...carrying the name on the outside 'Advanced Flight Theory'. The box contained the theory study units required to learn how to fly a helicopter.
In a huge show of support and generosity, Advanced Flight Theory, sponsored the entire package for Sam to learn from after hearing about his story and why he plans to learn to fly a Robinson R44.
Sam hopes to learn the practicalities of flying the R44 in early to mid-2009.
Meanwhile he's now got months of theory study ahead of him...a daunting task but made all that much easier by encouragement from organisations like Advanced Flight Theory and his many helicopter pilot mates.
"It's amazing to receive gestures of such huge generosity from companies like Advanced Flight Theory. I really appreciate their support and it inspires me on even more to fulfil my goal of becoming the first quadriplegic in the world to fly a helicopter and then, more importantly, make a difference to children around Australia," said Sam.
He and Jenny (who will also be learning to fly the helicopter) have now commenced their theory study.
Advanced Flight Theory is a specialist aviation theory school, based at the Sunshine Coast Airport, Queensland, Australia. It offers the highest quality ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) and CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence) theory courses and Overseas Licence Conversions to Aeroplane and Helicopter Pilots from around the world. Find out more at their website.
Meeting Nancy Bird...an Australian aviation pioneering legend
Sam and Jenny had the great privilege in early May of meeting one of Australia's living legends, Nancy Bird - a pioneer for women aviators. They met her at the national conference for the organisation she founded in 1950, the Australian Women Pilots' Association (AWPA). This year's conference was held in Roma, Central Queensland.
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Nancy Bird (pictured at right with Sam and Jenny) began learning to fly at just 17 years of age, in 1933, at a time when it was almost unheard of for women to take to the skies in the cockpit. In 1935 she was based at Bourke to fly a medical service for the Far West Children's Health Scheme covering the remotest areas of Outback NSW. Sam and Jenny also caught up with Dr Heather Parker, another amazing Australian woman aviator who has received an OA for her contribution to aviation and medicine. Dr Parker (pictured at right with Sam) conducted Sam and Jenny's medical, the first step in their Helifirst journey towards Sam becoming the first quadriplegic in the world to fly a helicopter. Dr Parker has also been very involved with the AWPA over the years. |
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Head Over Heels a best seller!! Read an extract from the book.
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TESTIMONAL |
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"As a recent high school graduate and a ridiculously fussy reader, I stumbled across your book in our bookshelf (I was supposed to be cleaning my room!!). Your humble determination and courage in overcoming adversity is truly inspirational in conquering all of life's problems - great and small. The book was that great I even took it to schoolies week!" - Melanie McKinnis
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JEN'S GALLERY |
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