WOW - What a brilliant day out!

I’ve always wanted to try Indoor Skydiving, so when I started speaking to Abbey (Manchester Sales Co-ordinator) about booking an experience, I was very excited!

The big day came… On Thursday 23^rd May, my partner took me to iFLY Manchester which is located in Trafford City.

Earlier that morning, I had taken part in a seated Tai Chi class, so I was feeling very relaxed but as soon as I got to iFLY, I started to feel a bit nervous. As soon as I went inside, I was greeted at reception by Abbey and she soon put my mind at rest.

After checking-in using their easy sign-in process, we went up in the lift to the viewing area - here we waited for our 10-minute briefing prior to the Indoor Skydive. The classroom briefing included learning a few simple hand signals and we also watched a short video, which explained what would happen during the flights.

Our Instructor was Brad, he was very friendly and professional. Brad and my partner helped me get kitted up into my flight gear (suit, goggles, earplugs and helmet) and Brad also advised that my partner could assist him in getting me in and out of the flight chamber, as I couldn’t stand without my rollator. By this point, my nerves had started kicking in again!

Abbey also came to check on me after the classroom briefing - she asked if there was anything else I needed… I said no, let’s do this!

The nerves soon went by the time it was my flight. With my partner supporting me, Brad gently guided me into the chamber, and I was off – I was FLYING! Brad reminded me to smile for the camera and to keep my chin up - In fact it was very easy to smile, as it was great fun!

All too quickly the first flight was over… After watching the other members of my group have their first flights and the ‘professionals’ having a go, it was soon time for my second flight…

On this flight, we had the option of doing the High Flight – which I did. A few quick circuits of the flight chamber then woosh… Brad and I were flying up to the top of the tunnel!

After I finished my flights, Brad and my partner helped me back to my seat and then back to the changing area. Brad told me how well I had done and explained that my certificate was down at the reception.

Once I was ready, I went back down in the lift to collect my certificate from reception and I also got a digital photo and movie too.

It's easy to understand why many people would not consider Indoor Skydiving as an all abilities activity, but my visit was hassle free, welcoming, and I was able to fully enjoy the experience of flying. I'd certainly recommend it to others with MS or other mobility conditions, who might not have thought the thrill of flying was a possibility! The whole day was brilliant - I wouldn’t hesitate to go back.

Well done and thank you to everyone at iFLY – I hope to see you all again soon!