Audace Handi Evasion

Audace Handi Evasion is a French association based in Le Versoud, France. It works to include people with disabilities by giving them access to sport and physical activity, especially in aviation. Its motto is to let everyone fly on their own wings.

The association designs and flies adapted hot air balloons and airships. The aim is that people with a disability can fly with full independence. Its best known project is the Side Fly, an airship that people can board without a transfer and that a crew with disabilities can pilot. The association says this was a world first and that it was achieved in 2022.

The project aims for total independence for participants. That applies in the air, through adapted technical designs, and on the ground, through special ground vehicles for logistics.

A network of volunteers, whom the association calls handi-valides, and major partners support its work. The association's ambition is to build a lighter-than-air version of the Patrouille de France, made only of adapted aerostats.

It lists four aims. These are to design and fly adapted balloons and airships, to value disability and break down prejudice, to show that personal and group effort can overcome obstacles, and to inspire people by showing its aircraft, crews and partners at media events.

The association is recognised as being of general interest. It invites people to join as members and keeps logbooks, photos and videos of its activities. Its commissions cover programmes and partnerships, technical matters, and sponsorship.

Services

• Adapted hot air balloons
• Adapted airships
• Side Fly airship
• Accessible flight for people with disabilities
• Inclusion through aviation
• Media demonstrations