Chakotay Skydive - Helping Wings

The Helping Wings charity was formed back in 2008 with the aim of providing a unique flying experience to the disadvantaged and the disabled of all ages. The charity is primarily based on the Island of Jersey operating mostly through the Jersey Aero Club.

The charity works closely with the Ports of Jersey and Jersey Airport to put on two major flying charity events per year, otherwise known as the Helping Wings day. One is specifically for younger children and the other accommodates teenagers to young adults. The pilots involved in the event volenteer their services to fly up to thirty flights around the Island of Jersey throughout the day. In total flying up to around 90 passengers throughout the day.

Jersey's air traffic controllers makes accomodation for all of these flights around the usual commercial schedules. Making the day one of the busiest days for Jersey airport. Bearing in mind the airport handles mostly regional traffic.

The children's Helping Wings day features food and beverages with entertainment throughout the day. Including a magician, Jersey Airport Fire and Rescue Service and States of Jersey Police dog handling team.

The charity offers flights to Les Amis organisation who suffer from learning difficulties. The charity also offers flights "4 Help The Heroes" charity whilst on holiday in Jersey.

Helping Wings offers flying scholarships to the disadvantaged and the disabled with a specific scholarship for the lower limbed disabled.

Your donations will help fund future Helping Wings days and help continue the flying scholarship programme. Which is only offered on a funds available basis. The charity is always looking for ways to fundraise as much as possible due to the expensive nature of the service they provide to the locals in Jersey.



My name is Chakotay Wood, aged 17 and I've been with Helping Wings for several years. They have contributed towards my passion of flying and provided an extraordinary experience. I was awarded with the Ports of Jersey Helping Wings flying scholarship of 2015.

I was born with several medical conditions which have resulted in major spinal surgeries Great Ormond Street Hospital. I now have titanium rods and bolts in my back. I wish to raise awareness that not all disabilities are visible.

I have been able to start and continue my flight training thanks to the scholarship and I've had an amazing experience throughout. I was also given the opportunity to fly in the Jersey International Air Display of 2016, a once in a lifetime experience.

I've since started to volunteer on Helping Wings days to give back to the charity. The charity is completely dedicated towards providing a special experience to everybody. There is loads which happens behind the scenes to make the days possible.

I'm very passionate about the charity and I would like to give back to the charity as a major appreciation towards everything they have done for me. Therefore I would like to raise money for the charity in the only way I know how. By taking to the skies and performing a tandem sky dive on the 15th April 2017. Keeping with the flying theme of course!

Helping Wings Website: https://helpingwingsjersey.org/