“Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings.” Samuel Johnson. With a lot of courage, commitment and self-confidence Nathan started his impossible journey to learn to fly. Through his hard work and grit he soared to his goal in spite of the odds and successfully obtained his pilot license to become the “most disabled pilot in the United Kingdom and possibly the world.” Since then, Nathan broke the world record for longest duration for simulated flight in the Aerobility's Global Flight Simulator Challenge (GFSC). He was also awarded the Aviator of the Year sword by Buzz Aldrin at the Aviators' Ball in 2012.

How and when did you feel like you wanted to learn flying? How long did it take you to get your pilot’s license?N: My dad was an aircraft engineer before I was born so always had an interest in flying. He took me for five flying lessons when I was eleven but then, with his health deteriorating and due to a lack of money, I had to stop. I put it to the back of my mind and, as I grew up, I didn't think anyone would seriously teach me to fly anyway.
Then I found out about the charity, Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP) and applied for a scholarship. I was shortlisted to go to RAF Cranwell for a four-day final selection process, after which, I was told I was being awarded a four-week scholarship, when I'd be trained by their partner charity, Aerobility.
Despite what anyone else thought, I'd always total confidence I could learn to fly given the chance. I didn't think of it as something which would be considered inspirational or even be of interest to anyone outside my social circle. It came as a pleasant surprise when I flew solo for the first time, to find it was even of interest to the local media and national magazines.
There was still a long way to go to gain my pilot's license though, the total flying time necessary proving to be 130 hours, which I did over three years.

What challenges did you face when learning to fly? How did you overcome those challenges?N: There were several things which I was unable to do in the usual way while flying, due to my lack of motor movement control, dexterity, etc. I therefore needed to find other ways to do them. For example, when I came to do navigation exercises and had everything I needed on my knee board, I kept dropping everything on the floor, so I designed my own knee board which stayed in place and had everything attached to it.
There was also concern as to whether I'd be able to communicate on the radio adequately, due to my speech impediment. However, giving it a go and simplifying it where possible proved successful.

Can you tell us about your participation in Aerobility's Global Flight Simulator Challenge (GFSC)?N: The GFSC always seemed destined to be a success and being involved was an honour. The fact so many celebrities were involved, made it even more exciting. My leg of the journey was in the (virtual) Philippines and took place during the night. Earlier that day, Chris Evans had done his leg and Aerobility introduced him to me. He was clearly surprised and impressed when they told him I had my pilot's license. That was when he suggested doing a piece about me for the One Show.

How did it feel to have your life-story documentary done by Chris Evans and broadcast on the One Show?N: My life-story documentary and the piece for the One Show were two separate things. A film-maker friend had made my life-story documentary while I was learning to fly. The fact he thought my life-story was so inspiring, and having the finished film shown at several local venues and even a bar in Fuèrteventura was flattering, as was Chris Evans' interest in me.
Filming for the One Show was exciting and a great opportunity for me to help change more people's attitudes than ever before about what disabled people can and can't do - attitudes of both uninformed able-bodied people and also, disabled people who may have been lacking in confidence

What was your family’s reaction when you told them you wanted to learn to fly? How did they support you in this journey?N: My family have always been behind me in anything I've wanted to do and have always encouraged me to follow my dreams, nomatter what they are. A few friends seemed to think it was some kind of joke but most close friends seemed to believe in me from the start. Proving the ones who didn't wrong was all part of the fun.

Can you tell us more about your school days? What struggles did face and how did you overcome?N: Despite initial doubts from authorities that I'd be able to attend mainstream school, my parents were adamant I would. Although we weren't Catholic, I attended a Catholic primary school, as it was the most accessible school in the area, with most of the school on one level. I also needed to have an ancillary helper to assist me throughout the day with getting around, writing, etc.
The same applied when I went to secondary school and college. Having an ancillary helper was essential to me having a normal education but I do feel having someone with me most of the time impacted on my relationships with my peers. Admittedly we had a lot of fun though, and leaving school with 10 GCSEs - two A-stars, five A's and three B's - and leaving college having passed the two A-levels and three City & Guilds I'd taken, meanshaving a mainstream education with the assistance of an ancillary helper was clearly right for me.
I also feel it's important to have disabled children in mainstream schools, as it goes a long way to creating a society in which disability is more accepted. As an adult, when asked what it was like to have me in in their class, a former primary school classmate simply said it was normal.

You have already mastered the high-adrenaline sport of flying. What is next on your list?N: I've tried many adrenaline sports, with other forms of flying, such as hang-gliding and paragliding, being some of my favourites I'd like to do more of, as well as furthering my regular flying skills with an emphasis on aerobatics.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you like about that place?N: After going there on holiday several years ago, I fell in love with Fuèrteventura, particularly the resort of Caleta de Fuste, which is fairly quiet but it's also possible to party when I want to. I now have many friends who live there so it's like home from home. I go there as often as possible.

What tips do you have for those in our community who are interested in learning to fly?N: To reiterate what I said on the One Show, just do it! Don't be put off by anyone telling you you're unable to learn to fly - or anything else for that matter. If you really want to do it, then at least give it your best shot. If a particular aspect of it proves difficult due to your disability, in my experience, there's usually a way around it. It's just finding it.

Any special message for our community?N: “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.” - J M Barrie, Peter Pan.