With the frequency of members of the British Forces returning from active service with both physical and psychological disabilities, it is important that they are given every opportunity to fall back into normality. Part of that is being able to participate in adventure training and using it as a tool to help in the recovery process. Headley Court, in association with the Joint Service Adventurous Training Centre at RAF Halton, have developed a way forward where members with disabilities can participate in adventurous training just as ably as a normal-serving member.

With funding from the 22 Training Group, Pre and Post Deployment Training Wing at RAF High Wycombe, RAF Halton has had 2 of its ASK21 gliders undergo modifications, with interchangeable levers, so personnel without lower limbs can undertake training in gliders, the same as any serving member.

Roger Davies, who runs the Joint Service Gliding Centre at RAF Halton, said: ‘It was important from the beginning to see if this is actually what the clinicians wanted and whether is it an avenue that they want to go down to aid in rehabilitation. As it stands, this is a great release from the emotional highs that some members of the armed forces face on returning to the slow paced world that we live in’.

Trooper Corie Mapp (31), from the Household Cavalry Regiment, undertook his first flight in a glider on 29 Jun 10. Trooper Mapp lost both of his legs in an explosion from an Improvised Explosive Device in Musa Qala in January this year. He said: ‘…this shows that the military really do care in creating these opportunities for us; I am going to grab it with both hands’.

Boeing has offered sponsorship toward this scheme in offering insurance cover for the gliders as well as a maintenance programme. Tim Wheeler, Boeing’s Industrial Participation Specialist, said: ‘This is a long-term relationship that we have signed up for and such a worthwhile scheme to be involved in’.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Steven Dalton, visited the gliding centre and Trooper Mapp on the day of his flight. Air Chief Marshall Dalton said: ‘RAF Halton is the perfect location for this project. It is important to ensure that this is a comfortable and enjoyable experience for the battle-back troops. Trooper Mapp will go back to his colleagues and tell them of his experience and the benefits of it and others will be encouraged by his example’.