Among the air sports you can find on Yumping, gliding is one of the most relaxing. It undoubtedly offers unique sensations, allowing you to enjoy aerial landscapes in an eco-friendly way, as it produces no noise or energy consumption by harnessing thermal currents.
But since when can people with motor disabilities practise gliding?
Until relatively recently, obtaining a glider pilot licence wasn't permitted for people with motor disabilities, despite other European countries like Germany or France having allowed it for many years.
From 2008 onwards, thanks to the disabled pilots association "Flying Chairs" alongside collaboration with the General Directorate of Civil Aviation, SENASA (State Society for Aeronautical Training), PREDIF (State Representative Platform for People with Physical Disabilities) and the Vodafone Foundation, government approval was achieved with the subsequent publication in the Official State Gazette (BOE) of ORDER FOM/2362/2008, dated 29 July, establishing special regulations for glider pilot licences for people with motor disabilities.
Why choose gliding?
It's genuinely an opportunity for people with disabilities to feel freer and experience flight - something they're not usually accustomed to. Up there, they can feel there are no architectural barriers like those typically encountered on the ground. It's an authentic experience nobody should miss, as the sensation of freedom is truly unique.
Elisabeth Heilmeyer became the first disabled person with a gliding licence in our country. What makes her so special? She actually lost mobility in her legs due to an aviation accident which - contrary to what might happen to most of us - didn't diminish her desire to keep flying, and she fought to regain her licence.
It took her no less than 8 years to achieve her ultimate goal, but she has no regrets about her struggle, stating that "in the air, we're all equal". Along the way, she founded the "Flying Chairs" association, which supports all disabled people interested in obtaining a pilot's licence.
How to go gliding?
The aircraft is adapted, but to obtain your pilot's licence you'll just need to complete a gliding course in Ocaña, where you'll certainly first have the opportunity to enjoy an introductory flight to begin practising, and if you enjoy the experience, you can then take a pilot's course.
The instructor will explain everything you need to know to fly the glider, and your enrolment will include all necessary materials as well as theoretical and practical lessons.
Discover the different types of gliding and choose which one you prefer most - because nothing is impossible if you truly want it...
