Steven Robinson, the One Arm Pilot, from Leeds has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for Services to Disabled People in the Queen’s New Year Honours List. He is an aviator, inventor, inspirational speaker and a remarkable person.
Steven (54) has single handedly - with just one arm - made his own prosthetic arm and advises other amputees on limb design and manufacture. He also mentors people and inspires everyone to succeed through his motivational public speaking.
Aged 18 Steven lost his right arm in a motorcycle crash. He’s since worked at restoring vintage jukeboxes and one arm bandits (no pun intended), computer programming and renting property.
Steven is accomplished at many skills. His advanced understanding of engineering has led him to design and make prosthetic limbs that function better than NHS models. He’s known as the one arm pilot. He is also an advanced level salsa, swing jive dancer and horse riding dressage competitor.
Steven can now add BEM to his title and list of awards which includes the Douglas Bader Memorial Trophy for his outstanding contribution to disabled pilots awarded by FSDP (Flying Scholarship For The Disabled). Also Yorkshire Inspirational Individual of the Year 2017 in the Yorkshire Choice Awards. He was recently a featured guest on BBC’s “The One Show” earning him national acclaim and recognition for being inspirational.
Steven said
“I’m flying high to be honoured for helping other disabled people to make the most of their lives and show them that anything is possible. My story proves that, with the right equipment and attitude, every one of us can break through phantom barriers and follow our dreams.”
His autobiography “No Arm In Trying” is due for release in 2018 and his TV show “Come Fly With Steve” is underway with celebrities signing up to be his guest co-pilot.
Melanie Malcolm Founder of Yorkshire Ladies Links said
"We are honoured to have Steve join us as Keynote Speaker at our 2018 Be Inspired Conference on 8th March at Wetherby Racecourse & Conference Centre, Steve's story will certainly inspire us all and we congratulate him on this wonderful achievement"
To book free tickets to the Be Inspired Conference on International Women's Day please visit