The stated purpose is to inspire disabled adults, building their confidence, self-esteem and aspirations through the sharing of life changing aviation experiences.
[1] The charity was founded in 1983 by Tim Prince and Paul Bowen of the Royal International Air Tattoo in the memory of Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader, the disabled wartime fighter ace who lost both his legs in an accident in 1931.
Following the death of his father, his son His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein,[2] succeeded him and is the current patron of the charity.
Author, broadcaster, pilot and musician Bruce Dickinson, best known as a member of Iron Maiden, was appointed Vice Patron of the charity in 2012.
Polly Vacher MBE, is an aviator specialising in long-distance solo flights, having obtained her private pilot license in Australia in 1994.