Handivol day at the Aéroclub de Picardie

On 13, 14 and 15 September 2019, the 14th edition of Handivol was held, an event that allows people with disabilities to discover the pleasure of flying in an aeroplane, a glider or a microlight.

The event is partly funded by Amiens-Métropole, the département and the proceeds of 20 000 lieues dans les airs (the flying club's aviation fair). It is worth noting that this initiative won the Regional Accessibility Trophy in 2015. The weekend is organised with the participation of members of voluntary organisations and volunteers from the Aéro-Club de Picardie Amiens Métropole (ACPAM).

The powered flight, gliding and microlight sections had made several of their aircraft available to Handivol. More than 550 people took a flight (3 passengers per aeroplane, 1 passenger in a microlight or glider). In the microlight section, 58 people with disabilities flew, for a total of 14 h 30 of flying time.

The microlight section had made its 2 aircraft in ACPAM and FFPLUM colours available to Handivol:

• A Jabiru 170 fitted with a hand-control stick and able to take the sound-flyer system (being tested at the Mirauds Volants stand but not used in flight this year) for the visually impaired
• A Savannah

The microlight and its hand-control stick attracted the interest of two people, and a pilot's vocation emerged in a gifted child of 10 (who will sit her baccalauréat at the end of the year). Boarding was carried out with the help of flying club members and adapted equipment to make getting in and out easier for passengers, including those in wheelchairs.

Despite the passengers' disabilities, the pilots in charge of the flights showed great professionalism, patience and understanding in adapting to each person's situation. Apprehension before take-off gave way to pleasure and joy, with broad smiles on the faces of these passengers for a day. The event was a success: for its organisation, its popularity, and the commitment and energy of the volunteers.