Disabled Fliers?

[slubben]

Are there any other disabled fliers out there. I am disabled and use crutches and sometimes have trouble standing for long periods of time however I just purchased a Blade MSR and I am enjoying it very much but, I am doubtful that I will be able to move beyond small helicopters because of my disability. Are there any other disabled fliers out there who have found ways to over come their obstacles and enjoy the hobby? Does anyone fly from a chair or anything like that?

[Solitaire]

I don't think there are any disabled flyers registered on this forum, at least none that have indicated as such. Hopefully, if there are, someone may chime in.

After reading your post this morning, I checked some of the other RC forums just to see if there is any information regarding flyers with disabilities. Unfortunately, there is not much out there that I could find.

I watched a video the other day from one of the parts suppliers about a flyer who flies from his wheelchair. I believe he's lost function in his lower extremities, but has full use of his upper. He also builds models from scratch (mostly planes) and he flew expertly from his chair.

I'm guessing by your post you don't use a wheelchair at this point, but I don't see a lot of restriction by sitting rather than standing as long as you keep your heli out in front of you. I did notice in my search that many clubs have wheelchair accessible flight stations.

I suppose having a flying "buddy" would be beneficial to you as they could help setup the heli and go chase it if it had a problem.

Anyway, hopefully someone with a bit more first hand knowledge will come along and add to this.

[bebev]

Slubben, It's good to hear that you aren't letting your physical disability keep you from doing what you can and as best that you can.
There are other kinds of limitations which some of us are faced with, such as financial, not having the time needed, or not having a suitable place to fly, etc., etc.
I use to like fly airplanes a lot when I was able to find the time!. Now that I'm retired and have more time I physically don't feel up to it very much, and now that my youngest daughter has started college I'm financially in really big tuition debt.
So I just do what I can which is why I got into flying helis.
I started by shopping the forums for used stuff primarily small coaxials that I could fly at home in my yard. Since I don't have an indoor place to fly them I'm limited to outside when there is no wind or very light breezes.
I feel frustrated at times because it's difficult for me to buy something more involved financially, so I just try to be satisfied with what I can afford and of course feel capable of flying.
I see that a used Honey Bee FP can be had relatively cheap so I'm looking into getting one of those as an alternative to the coaxials.

The only thing that I can think of off hand to help you out would be the use of a transmitter tray.
I recall seeing some commercial types being sold and I do have one myself which I had made.
It is helpful in that you don't have to hold on to the transmitter, it lets you rest your hands on the tray and move the sticks a lot easier.
Oh! How about adding lights to the heli, that might help with seeing it and with orientation especially if flying in the evening when the winds are calm.

Where there is a will there is a way.

[McKrackin]

There are many flyers who fly seated.Many.

Ole Wick here is one.It comes from the gaming generation.

[slubben]

Thank you all for the encouragement!! It's very apperciated

[19000rpm]

Hey slubben, check with your local rc clubs and you'll probably find somebody to hook up with to help get you started. For the most part rc'ers are very much into helping newbies get going and particularly with those who have physical challenges. Good luck.

Happy landings