Warning: This listing is no longer actively maintained. The information below is likely to be out of date.

Freedom's Wings International (FWI) is a non-profit organization run by and for people with physical disabilities. We provide the opportunity for those who are physically challenged to fly in specially adapted sailplanes, either as a passenger or as a member of our flight training program.

Description:
Soaring is the adventure into the world of silent flight. Sailplanes, or gliders, are special aircraft which have no engines. Sailplanes are towed into the sky by a regular airplane and then released for a quiet glide back to the airport or when conditions permit, sailplane pilots challenge gravity using natural currents in the air. An introductory flight generally lasts 20 minutes while an instructional flight, where pilot and student are working to gain altitude by riding rising thermal currents, may last for as long as two hours.

Freedom's Wings operates out of Van Sant Airport in Erwinna, PA. Volunteer pilots give inspirational rides to persons with disabilities, in specially equipped sailplanes. Many have gone on to take flight training and graduate with an FAA pilot certificate in gliders.

Freedom's Wings will also, upon request, bring our sailplanes to remote airports so that other disabled persons outside of the area may experience the thrill of motorless flight. Through this outreach, we hope to serve as a resource and model for other organizations with similar intent.

History:
Freedom's Wings International was founded in 1982 by airline captain Irv Soble and his wife Mary D'Angelo Soble. First operating out of Sky Manor Airport in Pittstown, NJ, then moving to its current base at Van Sant Airport in Erwinna, PA, FWI has given countless inspirational rides to persons with disabilities, many of whom have gone on to earn their pilot's license. Some have even gone on to become instructors themselves. This all volunteer organization has brought its mission to various remote sites in NY, NJ, PA and as far afield as FL, IL and Ontario, Canada. It has served as the inspiration and model for Freedom's Wings Canada and Freedom's Wings Tampa Bay.

Contact people:

Robert Greenblatt, Chief Flight Instructor, (phone), (email) Lynne Greenblatt, Secretary, (phone), (email) Willam Murphy, President, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (609) 397-4021

Address:

Van Sant Airport, 516 Cafferty Road Erwinna, PA 18920 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.freedomswings.org/

Directions:

http://www.vansantairport.com/findus.html