Have you ever seen a hawk gliding effortlessly through the air before it makes a graceful landing? Ever wondered what that experience would be like? People with disabilities who fly with the York Soaring Association certainly know the feeling.

York Soaring Association is a gliding club that provides people with disabilities the opportunity to fly. Located in Arthur, Ontario, York Soaring Association is the first fully accessible gliding club in Canada. It is the home base for Youth Flight Canada and Freedom's Wings Canada.

Charles Petersen is the Founding Director of Freedom's Wings Canada and a gliding instructor at York Soaring. Charles is passionate about helping those with disabilities. His inspiration behind creating Freedom's Wings Canada was his friend Marie Winter who has Multiple Sclerosis. She was a former concert pianist and pilot who loved to fly, but was not able to do so because of her disability.

After doing some research, Charles successfully submitted a grant application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation to purchase an accessible sailplane complete with adaptive controls. He also established Inspirational Flights. These are flights that allow Marie and other people with disabilities the freedom to fly their own plane free of charge.

To prepare for the flight, instructors give a brief explanation of the aircraft and its controls. Participants sit in the front seat of the two-seater sailplane. The instructor sits at the back where they are similar controls to those in the front. The sailplane is towed by another aircraft 2,000 feet into the air. At this point the tow rope is released.

When the participants feel comfortable with the controls, the instructor will allow them to control the plane. At this point, participants feel one hundred percent freedom. "People walk taller after their flight," says Charles Petersen. "They realize there is a full life available, a life with rich possibilities."

In addition to Inspirational Flights, York Soaring Association also offers instruction for those who want to be licensed glider pilots. To become a glider pilot you will have to:

• Take 55 flights with an instructor to qualify for a solo flight.
• Take 20 solo flights.
• Complete an in-class study.
• Take a Transport Canada exam.
• Pass a medical assessment from a Civil Aviation Medical Examiner.

One such glider pilot is Wayne Macdonald. Wayne is a paraplegic and is one of the regulars at York Soaring. He has always loved flying, "I find gliding liberating," he says, "I love leaving my wheelchair behind."