Paraplegic Flies Helicopter, Receives FAA License First Solo Flight on August 12

Paraplegic helicopter pilot received his FAA license and will fly solo for the first time on August 12 at the Helicenter International Academy facilities located in Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport.

Miami, FL (PRWEB) August 8, 2003 -- Stewart McQuillan earned his Private Pilots License from the FAA today after being paralyzed for 15 years. McQuillan will fly solo for the first time with his FAA license on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 at 10:00am EST at the Helicenter International Academy facilities using a Schweizer 300CB helicopter.

McQuillan, 43, suffered an accident 15 years ago while serving the Royal Air Force that paralyzed him from the waist down. In 1997 he started the development of the AeroLeg, a device he attaches to his legs that connects his feet to the anti-torque pedals of the helicopter (which control torque, the natural tendency of the helicopter to turn in the opposite direction of the blades).

The Wright Brothers took the worlds first flight in 1903. Now 100 years later, McQuillan makes another first flight for the world as the first paraplegic pilot to fly a helicopter. Helicenters owner, Capt. Gilberto Elias, and Director of Marketing, Ms. Clara Sowers, have prepared a program to facilitate helicopter flight instruction to persons with disabilities similar to McQuillans.

McQuillan has been a student at Helicenter since May; together, they have achieved certifications and authorizations from the FAA and the federal government so that the AeroLeg may be used safely in helicopters.

Helicenter is a fully bilingual facility that provides training to potential pilots from the US and Latin America and also serves as a sales center for the helicopter manufacturer, Schweizer Aircraft Corp.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Clara M. Sowers
Helicenter International Corp.
Ph: (305) 252-9016
Fax: (305) 252-2612