Christopher Lynch, flying one of FWI’s Grob 103’s with Bill Thar.

Dateline Wurtsboro, NY, 26 June 2012:

It may not be a monumental achievement in the grand scheme of things, but it will hopefully be significant with respect to the soaring community, particularly in the U.S.:  At the Region 2 North soaring competition in Wurtsboro, NY, a pilot from Freedom’s Wings ( www.freedomswings.org ) placed first in the Two-Seater Class on Day 3 of competition on June 26, 2012.  Well, somebody had to win, right?  What’s special about this?  Christopher Lynch, flying one of FWI’s Grob 103’s with Bill Thar in the back seat as mentor/strategist, is the first (!) soaring pilot with a disability — Chris is paraplegic as the result of a spinal cord injury — to place first-in-class in a sanctioned US soaring competition.

Freedom’s Wings celebrated its 30th aniversary last year, its purpose remains introducing the sport of soaring to individuals with disabilities.  Chris has already set an official New Jersey state soaring record — another FWI pilot holds another NJ record — and other “disabled” FWI pilots have the skills and general soaring experience that can be developed into seriously competitive levels.  While FWI has historically focused on providing physically challenged individuals with an initial soaring experience, and providing training through volunteer CFIG’s, the recognition of performing well in a sanctioned competition is proof that FWI pilots — and by extension, potentially many individuals with disablilites — are to be taken seriously as skilled pilots and worthy competitors.

Preparing for flight with Christopher Lynch in front seat.

submitted by Carl A. Slegel, FWI Trustee, DirComms