A DISABLED 46-year-old man has become a high flyer in America.

James Parkinson of Cleveleys, a DSS executive officer, was one of ten winners of a 1997 Royal Air Tattoo Flying Scholarship, giving him six weeks' flight training in Atlanta, Georgia.

The scheme gives disabled people the chance to fly, and was set up in 1983 in memory of Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader - the wartime ace who flew to fame despite having both legs amputated after an aircraft accident in the 1930s.

Jim, of Browning Avenue, has been in a wheelchair for the past 36 years.

He was seriously paralysed in a shotgun accident while at school, but has never let this affect his attitude towards life.

Jim's lifelong fascination for aviation led him to apply for a flying scholarship for the first time in 1989.

He was unsuccessful then but eventually found a flying club willing to help with a few lessons in Liverpool.

In July this year Jim's dream came true when he went to Atlanta for six weeks' flight training sponsored by King Hussein of Jordan.

He said: "It was a wonderful chance to experience the thrill, the total exhilaration, the complete independence that only flying an aircraft can bring."

Now he is back, his next aim is to gain a pilot's licence, training with the ANT Flying School at Blackpool Airport.

Applications for the1998 Flying Sholarships close on December 31.

UK residents who are disabled and aged over 17 are eligible.

For information and a Flying Scholarships application form contact: Martin Abbott,FSD Principle Royal International Air Tattoo Flying Scholarships for the Disabled, Building 15, RAF Fairford, Glos. GL7 4DL.

Telephone 01285 713268, E-mail: RAFBFE@RAFBFE.TelMe.Com

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