My name is Philip Stokes and I'm a 30 year old amputee pilot from Torrance, California. In 2006, at the age of 17 years old, I was involved in a motorcycle accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury that completely changed my life. I had paralyzed my entire left arm, and narrowly escaped with my life. For 6 years we tried to save the arm with several major surgeries--some even experimental--but ultimately were unable. In 2012 I decided to amputate the arm and move on with my life.

 

With my deteriorated arm gone and out of the way, I was able to pursue my Private Pilot's license--my childhood dream. After 2 long years of working at it, I passed. Over the years I've accumulated experience expanding my knowledge by becoming Instrument Rated, I'm tailwheel endorsed, and even learning a bit of aerobatic flying. From the lessons that aviation teaches me, I'm able to produce motivational content and deliver messages that speak to people in general regardless of their background. In the timeline below, I include future accomplishments to give you a sense of how far I will be able to make it with your help through my GoFundMe page found by clicking here.