Hayden McDonald is set to take to the skies in an inspiring solo circumnavigation of Australia to foster greater community understanding and acceptance of autism and life ‘on the spectrum’ and he’s seeking $110,000 in sponsorship from businesses, corporates and individuals across Australia to help get the mission off the ground.
The 21-year-old, who has held a recreational pilot’s certificate since the age of 17, established Wings Without Barriers after his dream of flying with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) was shattered when he was denied the opportunity of a medical because he is autistic.
“On the very last day of high school, I decided I wanted to fly for the RFDS. I applied for my medical only to receive the email I dreaded,” Hayden said. “It read – ‘Intention to refuse medical’ and went on to say, ‘this is because your autism spectrum disorder represents unacceptable risk to aeronautical navigation’.”
“Being labelled in that way was a big blow to me personally and to my dream of helping others by flying with the RFDS – this left me with no opportunities in aviation, so I made one, Wings Without Barriers,” said Hayden.
“The mission of Wings Without Barriers is to create understanding and acceptance of neuro diverse conditions in the community through education. I also want to change the discriminatory medical process without compromising aeronautical safety,” he said.
Taylor Jurd from Broken Hill RFDS said, “the regulatory body, Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulates Australian aviation safety and assesses medical examinations. To work for the RFDS, there are certain minimum flying requirements pilots must have, including 2500 hours flying experience. If this young man meets all the medical and experience requirements, then of course he’d be considered.
“Also please note, Designated Aviation Medical Examiners (DAMEs) and Designated Aviation Ophthalmologists (DAOs) conduct medical examinations as required by the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and relevant regulations,” she continued. “In those classes of medical certification where CASA is involved, CASA medical staff work with DAMEs to determine, on the evidence available, whether an applicant is entitled to the issue of a medical certificate.”
As the winner of the ABC Heywire Trailblazers in February, Hayden was invited to share his Wings Without Barriers initiative with the Youth Summit at Parliament House in Canberra.
Hayden will start his unaccompanied adventure in his hometown of Esperance on September 11, flying a J120 Jabiru. He will make more than 30 stops and visit 26 towns in all mainland states and territories during the two-month voyage, speaking at schools and to communities about his experience living with autism.
From Esperance, Hayden will fly east to South Australia with stops in Ceduna, Port Augusta and his mother’s hometown of Orroroo. He will then cross the border to Broken Hill before flying south to Mildura and Warracknabeal in Victoria.
From there he will travel in NSW to Parkes, Warnervale, Dubbo and Moree. In Queensland, Hayden will fly to Dalby, Bundaberg, Longreach and Mount Isa before heading to the Top End visiting Tennant Creek, Daly Waters and Alice Springs. Back in Western Australia, the route will take him to Kununurra, Derby and Broome in the North-West, before he flies down the coast, visiting Carnarvon, Geraldton, Dongara, Bunbury and Albany.
Hayden is seeking sponsorship for the flight as well as opportunities to speak at schools and community events to share his experience of living with autism, being an autistic pilot, and to encourage young people to be resilient and strive to overcome hurdles in life.
To follow Hayden’s journey, visit his Instagram page, Facebook or YouTube channel
To make a donation go to: Sponsor | Wings Without Barriers
Further information or speaker bookings: [email protected]
