# Blind Pilots Man Flies From London to Sydney Proving the Blind Can Have Fun Too By Rose A. Valenta | Published 2007-04-30 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blind-pilot-flies-13500-miles-london-to-sydney References: [cbsnews](http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/04/30/ap/strange/main2739850.shtml) & [cbsnews](http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/04/30/ap/strange/main2739850.shtml) A 58-year-old [blind pilot](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/union-of-the-blind) from the UK, Miles Hilton-Barber, completed his dream of a lifetime, a 13,500 flight from London to Sydney, Australia, braving severe weather conditions. He flew a [Microlight aircraft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/epic-aircraft-e1000-ax) that resembles a hang-glider/tricycle. It was equipped with specialized [navigational information](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flight-map), which enabled the success of the flight. This story proves that one can accomplish anything, given the right motivation. (Now, if only I could find the right tail spin to get my grandson's kite off the ground.) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 5% | Activity: 22% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Bizarre](https://www.trendhunter.com/bizarre) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Accessible Aviation:** Innovative technologies can be created to make air travel more accessible to individuals with disabilities or limitations. - **Assistive Flight Technology:** Companies can develop new assistive technologies and devices to help individuals with disabilities fly planes safely and confidently. - **Blind Sports & Recreation:** There are opportunities for innovation in creating sports and recreational activities that are more accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for individuals with visual impairments or disabilities. ### Where This Applies - **Aviation:** Companies in the aviation industry can explore new markets by expanding their offerings to cater to individuals with disabilities. - **Assistive Technology:** The assistive technology industry can create new products and services that help individuals with disabilities achieve their lifelong dreams and goals. - **Sports & Recreation:** Businesses in the sports and recreation industry can create products and services that improve accessibility, inclusivity, and enjoyment for individuals with disabilities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Road-Legal Flying Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/switchblade-1.md) - [Accessible Airline Safety Manuals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braille-safety-manuals.md) - [Simulated Air Travel Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/simulated-air-travel.md) - [Inclusive Braille Integrated Planes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/united-airline-1.md) - [Vison Loss Research Fundraisers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fighting-blindness-canada.md) - [Wheeled Robotic Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheeled-robotic-aid.md) - [Consumer-Driven Aircrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/personal-evtol-aircraft.md) - [Self-Landing Hobbyist Aircrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/epic-aircraft-e1000-ax.md) - [Kid-Friendly Aviation Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/summer-flight-school.md)