Aerobility names Neil Tucker as new Chair

Friday 16th January 2026

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Aerobility, a leading UK charity enabling people with disabilities to access aviation, has welcomed in 2026 with a new Chair of the Trustee Board. Neil Tucker takes over from former Chair Shona Bowman.  Shona has served the charity since 2005 initially as one of our first flying instructors through to becoming Chair for the last 14 years. She was lauded for her sterling work during Aerobility’s annual fundraising Aviators Ball last November.

“Both myself personally, and the wider charity, are incredibly grateful to Shona for her many years of support, dedication and leadership,” said CEO Mike Miller-Smith. “Equally I very much welcome the opportunity to work with Neil and continue to develop the great work of the charity.”

“I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks for the incredible support over the years in this highly satisfying role,” commented Shona. “Aerobility has been a huge part of my life, and I’m immensely proud to have witnessed the charity grow and evolve into such a respected and inspiring organisation. It has been an honour and a privilege to be part of this remarkable journey, it certainly feels like I am stepping aside on a real high.”

Neil Tucker’s journey with Aerobility began in September 2018 after a life-changing motorcycle accident resulted in a loss of a leg and use of his left arm. What followed is a story that perfectly captures the spirit of the charity. As a graduate of Aerobility’s flight training programme, Neil progressed from flying light PA28 aircraft, to taking the controls of ex-military jets, demonstrating that ambition and determination overrides perceived limitations. Appointed as a Trustee for Aerobility in 2019, Neil has played a key role helping to shape the charity’s direction and opportunities for its participants and flyers.

As Aerobility’s new Chair, Neil brings both lived experience and a fresh vision for the Charity’s future. “I’m very proud to have landed here,” Neil stated. “Aerobility took me from a dark corner to a place of laughter-silvered wings. It completely changed my life. It is now up to me to build on Shona’s success by growing the charity and re-writing the assumptions people with disabilities live by.”

 

Photo caption: Shona Bowman (Former Aerobility Chairman) hugs Neil Tucker, 

newly appointed Aerobility Chair at Blackbushe Airport Aerobility HQ, at sunset.

 

Photo caption: Neil Tucker, following his first solo flight with Aerobility.

 

About Aerobility

Aerobility is a charity which changes lives by supporting people with disabilities to experience the magic and wonder of flight. The organisation provides access to modified light aircraft and equipment, giving every disabled person the unique chance to spread their wings. In addition, the charity provides education and advocacy, helping disabled people to work within the aviation sector. Find out more about Aerobility by visiting their website:  www.aerobility.com

Aerobility website:  www.aerobility.com

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