Visually impaired man’s forever experience flying a plane

Pilot and head of training at Flynqy Marshall Cligman said the South West region lacked a number of things that happen in other parts of the country including aviation.

He hopes this scholarship will create a “movement” and more aviation opportunities for the disabled community.

Cligman, who has been a pilot for about 40 years, added: “I love flying, I love my job, but seeing someone get something from it is what moves me more than anything.

“That’s why I’m here.”

Michael said: “We’re pigeon-holed and people make judgements about disabled people, but we need to be stimulated.

“We need to get out there and I think it’s wonderful that we’re accepted to do this.”

Andrew Boomer, operations director at Cornwall Airport Newquay, said it was a pleasure to welcome the “superb” scholarship and working with people in the industry was “opening as many doors as we can for as many people as possible”.

“In the South West, we’re probably leading from the front in terms of offering this opportunity for people who wouldn’t otherwise get the opportunity,” he added.

Chairman of the Aerobility board of trustees Neil Tucker said: “It’s wonderful to be opening up the freedom of flight to people in Cornwall, giving them the chance to learn to fly over one of the most beautiful parts of the UK.

“Opportunities like ours empower people because as we have seen flying massively boosts self-confidence and people’s ability to believe they can do anything.”

Follow BBC Cornwall on X, external, Facebook, external and Instagram, external. Follow BBC Devon on X, external, Facebook, external and Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk, external.