Carl Hiebert has his roots in a simple Mennonite farming community in southern Ontario. Unlikely beginnings for a man who has become an adventurer, entrepreneur, photographer and aviator. In 1981, Carl's life direction took a drastic turn when he broke his back in a fluke hang-gliding accident.  Dealing with that tragedy became his biggest challenge ever.

Within two years he opened his own flight school, and became Canada's first paraplegic flight instructor.  In 1986, Carl fulfilled an ambitious dream when he became the first person to fly across Canada in an open-cockpit ultralight aircraft. His epic flight, conducted on behalf of the Canadian Paraplegic Association, raised over $100,000 for the organization and drew national media attention. For the inspiration he has given fellow Canadians, Carl has been presented with numerous awards:                  HONORARY GUILD SHIELD - for enhancing                      the quality of life for all Canadians.                KING CLANCY AWARD - given to recognize                     outstanding Canadians.                PAUL TESSANDIER AWARD - International                     aviation award for his historic flight.                VANIER AWARD (1986) - presented to five                     outstanding Canadians.                PAUL HARRIS FELLOW (2002) - Rotary international                     achievement award. The Canadian Press named Carl one of Canada's top ten adventurer's, along with such people as astronaut Roberta Bondar.  His photographs have appeared in national magazines in both Canada and the U.S.

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