The world’s first inclusive air patrol, with both disabled and non-disabled pilots, is a real highlight of the Italian civil aviation.
On the morning of Friday, April 21, 2023, at the airfield headquarters of the Linate Airport Command, a meeting took place between the personnel of the Linate Connections Squadron and the Pilots of the WeFly! Team.
The meeting is part of the events related to the territory and the Air Force, which this year celebrates the 100th anniversary of its foundation (which took place on March 28, 1923), and it was very meaningful because it stems from the excellent friendship that unites the “aviators” of the Air Force. Team in the Aeronautica Militare united by a passion for flight.
Welcomed by the Commander of the Linate Military Airport, Colonel Pilot Andrea Rossi, and by the Commander of the Collegamenti Squadron, Lieutenant Colonel Pilot Francesco Ferrari Agradi, the pilots of the Team They received a welcome greeting from the Commander of the Combat Forces, Air Division General Luigi Del Bene. Subsequently, they attended an informative briefing regarding the Collegamenti Squadron, before visiting the SIAI 208 aircraft that are part of the Squadron.
It WeFly! Team he is a testimonial of National Federation of Disabled Pilots “Baroni Rotti” based in Castiglion Fiorentino (AR) and is a spokesperson for a message of inclusion and resilience: With the necessary commitment, all barriers can be overcome and dreams, even the most difficult ones, can become reality.
The performances that they participate in all over the world last approximately ten minutes and do not involve acrobatic maneuvers but only evolutions in formation. The aircraft they fly are aeroplanes. experimental General aviation modifications with a special control that combines the rudder and engine controls in a single lever.
It Team he is involved in the days every year Pilots for a day, These are completely free and aimed at promoting flight for people with disabilities.“Able to fly”It is the motto with which the Team It puts its experience at the disposal of everyone, disabled or not, to encourage them to commit themselves fully to realizing their own desires.
The pilots all hold a PPL/A (Sep Land) private pilot license as well as all the qualifications required for their activities. The experience they possess is the result of continuous and constant training, part of which was also carried out with some pilots of the Tricolour Arrows and instructors from the Italian Air Force.
Shortly before the end of the visit, Air Force Brigadier General Francesco Vestito, Commander of the 1st Air Region of the Air Force, arrived and personally greeted the pilots of the aircraft. WeFly! Team inviting them to return and, as soon as possible, to fly together.
At the end of the day, the expression of enthusiasm on the faces of the participants was evident, certainly suggesting that there will be future meetings, perhaps at other Departments of the AM.
The visit concluded with the traditional exchange of crests and commemorative prints.
