Helifirst

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sam with helicopter

Helifirst

Helifirst is Sam Bailey’s dream of becoming the first quadriplegic in the world to fly a helicopter, then fly into schools to inspire children to fulfil their own dreams. Sponsored by the Commonwealth Bank, it requires modification of a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter which is currently underway with HeliMods in Caloundra.
This project has been a team effort. Some of the organisations and people involved are:

  • Australia's largest bank, Commonwealth Bank, has provided financial support

  • Helimods, a business that designs, manufactures and engineers products and technologies in both civil and military aircraft around the world, is now handling all modifications

  • Former Army Black Hawk pilot and double amputee, Glenn Todhunter, providing support, guidance and advice throughout the Helifirst journey

  • Female DAMEs, Dr Heather Parker, gave her support towards Sam’s aviation medical in the initial years of the project

  • Singer/songwriter, Danny Hooper, has written a theme song for Helifirst called "You Don't Need Wings to Fly"

  • ABC TV's Australian Story will be filming Sam's helicopter journey and it will be published in a book by Harper Collins

Sam flying ultralight
Sam talking to school kids

Book

Sam Bailey suffered a spinal injury in a car accident while jakerooing in the Northern Territory at 19-years-old , leaving him a C6/C7 quadriplegic.
Hi is paralysed from the chest down with only limited use of his arms and hands and can't regulate his body temperature. He has lost bowel and bladder control and part of his lung capacity.
He has overcome those challenges to become a farmer, ultralight pilot, public speaker and best selling author of the book Head Over Heels which he co-wrote with his wife, former ABC Rural Reporter, Jenny Black.
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Book

Sam Bailey suffered a spinal injury in a car accident while jakerooing in the Northern Territory at 19-years-old , leaving him a C6/C7 quadriplegic.
Hi is paralysed from the chest down with only limited use of his arms and hands and can't regulate his body temperature. He has lost bowel and bladder control and part of his lung capacity.
He has overcome those challenges to become a farmer, ultralight pilot, public speaker and best selling author of the book Head Over Heels which he co-wrote with his wife, former ABC Rural Reporter, Jenny Black.
Kids listening to Sam speech
READ MORE
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You don't need wings to fly...
You just need a whole lot of grit!