Freedom's Wings International Wheelchair Flying For People With Disabilities
A division of the SSA
 
About Us
Freedom's Wings International (FWI) is a non-profit organization run by and for people with physical disabilities. We provide the opportunity for those who are physically challenged to fly in specially adapted sailplanes, either as a passenger or as a member of the flight training program.
 
The purpose of Freedom's Wings International is to bring the world of soaring to disabled persons by: FWI works closely with local and national organizations for people with physical disabilities and encourages organizations to learn more about our programs.
 
Contact us
Please email, call or write Freedom's Wings International: See the Links page for contact information about Freedom's Wings Florida and Freedom's Wings Canada.
 
Help Us
Freedom's Wings International is an all volunteer organization utilizing the skills of both disabled and able bodied members. We welcome the participation of all interested, caring people.
 
Member Experiences
Freedom's Wings members share their experiences.
 
Sponsors / Funding / Donations
A special plea for your financial support.

The mission of Freedom's Wings International (FWI) is to provide soaring opportunities for persons with disabilities. We depend entirely upon the generosity of our members and the organizations and friends who support our activities. This makes your financial support of FWI more important than ever before. We urge you to be generous in helping us. Your contribution, in any amount, will be most gratefully appreciated. Every dime that we receive goes right back into the FWI program and into the maintenance and operation of our fleet of two aircraft.

Persons already making donations to the United Way Campaign, can designate FWI as a recipient.

For those of you who have enjoyed flying with us, we suggest that you provide information about FWI to the various organizations you do business with. Perhaps they would be inclined to support us as well. Don't forget that we are a non-profit organization, recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, any contribution you make to us is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Thank you from all of us who care so deeply about Freedom's Wings International and for helping us meet our obligations and future objectives.
 
What is Soaring
Soaring is the adventure into the world of silent flight. Sailplanes, or gliders, are special aircraft which have no engines. Sailplanes are towed into the sky by a regular airplane and then released for a quiet glide back to the airport or when conditions permit, sailplane pilots challenge gravity using natural currents in the air. An introductory flight generally lasts 20 minutes while an instructional flight, where pilot and student are working to gain altitude by riding rising thermal currents, may last for as long as two hours.
 
Take a Ride
Freedom's Wings International operates their fleet of sailplanes out of Van Sant Airport in Erwinna, PA. Please contact us to schedule a flight. At that time, you can discuss any special requirements for assistance on the ground or when transferring to the aircraft. An introductory flight for persons with disabilities is free. For subsequent flights or flights for able-bodied companions, all you pay is the airport's flight tow fee.

Click here for an online ride-release waver form.
 
Learn to Fly
Flying sessions are scheduled seven days a week, weather permitting. Freedom's Wings International operates several specially adapted sailplanes in it's entry-level and graduate level flying program. Potential students are screened by flight instructors certified by the Federal Aviation Administration and receive ground instruction using FAA approved curricula. The flying season runs from April 1 to December 1 each year. Students from coast to coast and and other countries have participated in our program. In addition, a limited number of scholarships are available upon approval of the board of directors.
 
Membership
Membership is open to all applicants without regard to a person's race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual persuasion, national origin, handicap, or medical condition. Membership is renewable March 1st of each year.

Click here for an online membership form. Click here to review the minutes from our last board meeting.
 
Outreach - We Come To You
Our sailplanes can be partially disassembled for easy transport in a special trailer. In concert with various organizations serving people with disabilities, we pack up our equipment and co-host "Freedom Flight" events at other soaring clubs and airports. Our mission is to provide the opportunity for people in the surrounding area to experience glider flight and to encourage the local soaring clubs to equip themselves to welcome participation of people with disabilities. Contact us to explore the possibilities.
 
Calendar of Events 2008
January 19th (Saturday 11am)
Freedom's Wings International annual meeting at the Hunterdon County public library meeting room. Member meeting starts at 11:00AM, lunch at noon followed by the board metting.
May 31st (Saturday 10am-6pm) & June 1st (Sunday 10am-2pm)
Freedom's Wings will offer free introductory rides to interested disabled individuals. The event will be held in conjunction with the Philadelphia Glider Council at their airport in Hilltown, PA located approximately 40 miles North of Philadelphia. Visit their website for directions.

Interested participants should contact us at (800) 382-1197 to reserve a time slot for a 20-minute ride. There are only a limited number of flights available so call now if you want to experience the thrill of soaring.
 
Past Events
Freedom's Wings is over 20 years old and has hosted many events in the past but until now we have not documented them. We look forward to sharing them with you on our website in the future.
 
Newletters
Freedom's Wings member newsletters.
 
Video Gallery
Videos featuring Freedom's Wings.
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