This is the second part of my interview with Mike Wildman, an amputee pilot who has had a fascinating career in aviation. The first part covered Mike’s life in the Royal Air Force flying, amongst other aircraft, the C130 Hercules. In this part we hear about his life changing decision to have part of his left leg removed and his fight, not only to get back into the cockpit of an aircraft but to lead the world’s first disabled formation display team.

Recording the interview with Mike in front of a Yak 52

Mike, a Captain with Virgin Atlantic Airways

Mike after his life changing decision to have part of his left leg removed

Aerobility, the organisation that got Mike back into the air as an amputee pilot

Sir Douglas Bader, a double amputee WWII Battle of Britain fighter pilot

The pilots of the world’s first amputee formation team

The Bader Bus Company Still Running formation team

Mike climbing out of his Yakovlevs Yak 52

Images under Creative Commons licence with thanks to the RAF, Aerobility, the Yakovlevs, the Bader Bus Company and Mike Wildman.