When he lost the use of his legs in a surfing accident, as with anyone in that position, Jim Kaler’s life changed dramatically. He was no longer the pilot of Gulfstreams and Falcon 50s for a good-sized corporate flight department but that didn’t mean he wanted to be restricted to piloting a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Within two years, he was back in the left seat of a Cessna Cardinal and the immense sense of freedom and independence it fostered gave him a mission in life. He started Able to Aviation, a non-profit group with a simple aim: to introduce (or re-introduce) those with physical disabilities to the wonders of flight and to do it at no cost to the student pilot. Although Cessna probably didn’t have handicapped accessibility in mind when it designed the 177, the low-slung design and the massive pilot door minimize the greatest obstacle most people with mobility issues face when it comes to airplanes — getting in without help. “The Cardinal is ideal for our purposes,” said Kaler.
Freedom Of Flight, Free
Key Takeaways:
- Former corporate pilot Jim Kaler, after losing the use of his legs, rediscovered his passion for flight and founded Able to Aviation.
- Able to Aviation is a non-profit organization dedicated to introducing or re-introducing individuals with physical disabilities to aviation at no cost.
- The Cessna Cardinal aircraft is specifically utilized by Able to Aviation due to its accessible design, including a low-slung body and large pilot door, making it easier for people with mobility issues to board.
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