About

Return Flight provides helicopter flight training to paraplegics and the spinal cord injured community. There is a large demand of those with limited or no use of legs who desire to fly helicopters. Return Flight provides the only source for these pilots to get training and experience need to participate in rotorcraft flight. Return Flight provides a complete program. Applicants to the program must be accepted through a rigorous selection program. Once in the program, Return Flight provides everything for the candidate. Similar to a military flight training program, Return Flight will help the candidate with funding for the program, housing and support during the training and finally employment services upon completion of the program.

Return Flight is working on its 501c3 designation, but we have not yet acquired nonprofit status. The foundation will primarily target those wounded in military service. The foundation earns almost all its operating capital from donations and grants. Currently, donations to Return Flight are NOT tax deductible. For information about making donations to Return Flight, see the Donations page. We do work with two nonprofit partners, Air3 Foundation and Copters for a Cause, if you are looking for a charity to support.

It is believed that there are hundreds of disabled pilots who could benefit from this program and provide a unique source for pilots to the industry around the world. As demand grows around the world for helicopter pilots, these pilots will be a ready source to meet that need.

Mission / Objective

Return Flight will provide help with funding sources, access to the HeliLeg and a rigid flight training program to paraplegic pilots. While pilots are in training Return Flight will provide housing and 24 hour support to participants. Upon completion of the training Return Flight will provide time building and employment services to pilots to ensure they can return to the work force.

Return Flight Ball Drop

Return Flight in the News

KDVR Fox 31: Relearning to fly: device lets paralyzed pilots take flight again

The Denver Post Photos: Paralyzed pilots take to the skies with Helileg
The Denver Post Video: Disabled veterans get chance to fly helicopters with ‘HeliLeg’ device

Solution

The Aero Leg developed by Stewart McQuillan is the only device that can provide paraplegics access to the world of rotary winged flight. Stewart McQuillan has licensed the Aero Leg technology to the foundation and as a founding member of Return Flight has devoted himself to its success. No other organization can provide both the technology and training to disabled pilots.

HeliLeg

There are many paraplegics (Spinal Cord Injury) who desire to fly helicopters. Stewart McQuillan has developed the HeliLeg, a device that allows paraplegics to fly rotorcraft that bypasses the use of leg input of the anti-torque pedals and moves that control to the cyclic. This allows many of the paraplegics who have lost the use of their legs to continue to fly or learn to enjoy rotary winged flight.

With many countries involved in the wars over in the Middle East there is a preponderance of current and former soldiers who would like to participate in rotary winged flight. Return Flight will provide both the device and training to any pilot who qualifies for this program.