Visual News - Issue 5, Winter 2010 - Southern Health and Social ...
Visual News - Issue 5, Winter 2010 - Southern Health and Social ... Visual News - Issue 5, Winter 2010 - Southern Health and Social ...
I was lowered down into „something‟ bottom first. I can onlydescribe it as being placed into a capsule that was made of microlight material and fitted with wings. Most importantly of all thisflying machine did not have an engine? I thought this wasremarkable. I was joined by the operator of this air vehicle who satbehind me. Again safety is paramount and precautions were takento ensure my straps were tightened and that I was in a comfortableposition. When this procedure was completed, a cover came downover my head. You could describe it being a type of a lid. On theoutside I could hear them fastening and checking fixtures.It is time to go Finnbar informed me. He made me aware that as itwas dual control I could have the opportunity to fly this vehicle if Iwished. We were attached to a small aircraft by a tug rope. Thiswas how we make our lift off up into the sky!Gaining speed, my instincts told me that this was about to happen.Up, up and away the experience was exhilarating to say the least.Minutes later whilst been airborne Finnbar gave me a runningcommentary of all that was taking place. I was told I would hear asound but I was not to be alarmed. This was the tug rope beingreleased from the aircraft. “We are on our own now” he shouted.Finnbar was explaining the sights and scenery. It was so silentzooming through the sky and imagining what could be seen fromthis height. The winds and air were the only things keeping us airborne along with other factors such as pressure. It's difficult toimagine that this was the only source off fuel needed to fly thiscraft.Traveling alongside the Sperrin Mountains and over Lough Foyle, Iwas also informed that in the near distance a Ryan Air aeroplanewas about to land at Derry City Airport. Beyond this Finnbarcommented on areas of Donegal such as Moville and Mallon thatcould be seen. I was overwhelmed!Taking the controls for just a brief time was more than enough forme. What about a few loops and flips Finnbar suggested? Whynot I thought and so I decided make the most of this. There werePage 4 of 38
times during this exercise that I will never forget. At one stage Ithought I was in the tumble dryer, but the feeling was unbelievable.Tossing and turning in a glider hundreds of feet up in the sky.“Amazing, amazing” I kept repeating!Unfortunately it was time to make our return journey back to base.On our way we covered large areas of rural landscapes, farmyards, lakes and holiday resorts. Such abundance of locations andfeatures to absorb in my mind.Our landing was secure and smooth aided by the perfect weatherconditions.This was one opportunity that I will always cherish in my memories.Thanks to Rhonda of the Fit4U Project and the Ulster Gliding Clubfor making this great day possible!Page 5 of 38
- Page 1 and 2: Visual Disability News: Winter 2010
- Page 3: UP, UP AND AWAY, by Bernie SloanAno
- Page 7 and 8: These experiences seem to happen wh
- Page 9 and 10: A Volunteer’s tale, by Noeleen.A
- Page 11 and 12: New RNIB StaffOver the last number
- Page 13 and 14: makes you noticed, the stigma of ha
- Page 15 and 16: The Cane and Able Club, by June Jac
- Page 17 and 18: Finding your way- the session provi
- Page 19 and 20: The Trust Access Working Group, by
- Page 21 and 22: We realise that in the past there h
- Page 23 and 24: “I have learned something I never
- Page 25 and 26: Floating Support Service.Floating S
- Page 27 and 28: towards engaging with the community
- Page 29 and 30: The project will be delivered by RN
- Page 31 and 32: Are you a Donkey lover?Dr Elizabeth
- Page 33 and 34: In 1965 I auditioned for a talent c
- Page 35 and 36: In 2004 Brendan‟s good friend Jim
- Page 37 and 38: Lucky Dip OmeletteIngredients:2-3 e
I was lowered down into „something‟ bottom first. I can onlydescribe it as being placed into a capsule that was made of microlight material <strong>and</strong> fitted with wings. Most importantly of all thisflying machine did not have an engine? I thought this wasremarkable. I was joined by the operator of this air vehicle who satbehind me. Again safety is paramount <strong>and</strong> precautions were takento ensure my straps were tightened <strong>and</strong> that I was in a comfortableposition. When this procedure was completed, a cover came downover my head. You could describe it being a type of a lid. On theoutside I could hear them fastening <strong>and</strong> checking fixtures.It is time to go Finnbar informed me. He made me aware that as itwas dual control I could have the opportunity to fly this vehicle if Iwished. We were attached to a small aircraft by a tug rope. Thiswas how we make our lift off up into the sky!Gaining speed, my instincts told me that this was about to happen.Up, up <strong>and</strong> away the experience was exhilarating to say the least.Minutes later whilst been airborne Finnbar gave me a runningcommentary of all that was taking place. I was told I would hear asound but I was not to be alarmed. This was the tug rope beingreleased from the aircraft. “We are on our own now” he shouted.Finnbar was explaining the sights <strong>and</strong> scenery. It was so silentzooming through the sky <strong>and</strong> imagining what could be seen fromthis height. The winds <strong>and</strong> air were the only things keeping us airborne along with other factors such as pressure. It's difficult toimagine that this was the only source off fuel needed to fly thiscraft.Traveling alongside the Sperrin Mountains <strong>and</strong> over Lough Foyle, Iwas also informed that in the near distance a Ryan Air aeroplanewas about to l<strong>and</strong> at Derry City Airport. Beyond this Finnbarcommented on areas of Donegal such as Moville <strong>and</strong> Mallon thatcould be seen. I was overwhelmed!Taking the controls for just a brief time was more than enough forme. What about a few loops <strong>and</strong> flips Finnbar suggested? Whynot I thought <strong>and</strong> so I decided make the most of this. There werePage 4 of 38
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