Precision Helicopters

I phoned Precision Helicopters Coffs Harbour with an enquiry about my adult son, who is a person with disabilities, possibly being able to go on a flight to Solitary Islands as they were advertising, along with his support worker. When I mentioned my son has a disability I was told he would not be able to go because he couldn't get in the helicopter. This was an assumption as I had not said his disability was mobility related. He is able to get into a helicopter as well as anyone else. When I explained this I was then told he would not be able to go because they could only take people who 'can fend for themselves if there's a mishap, and need to be able to do things like closing a door etc." Again, my son can close a door as well as anyone else. I was not asked anything about my son's age (31), weight, or fitness levels. I was simply told he couldn't go, presumably because I mentioned that he has a disability. I have contacted the company and asked what is their definition of "fending for oneself" especially as their promotional video features a child who has taken a flight. Their terms and conditions also mention that young babies can be held in the lap on the flight, so I am wondering how the 'fend for yourself' rule applies in that instance. It would appear from my experience that Precision Helicopters simply does not want to deal with anyone with a disability, regardless of age, fitness or suitability for the flight. That is discrimination in my understanding, and also possibly illegal in Australia.

Update 30 April in response to Precision Helicopters misleading reply. The conversation did not end abruptly. The staff member I was speaking with did not at any time refer to Terms and Conditions, which I have read in any case on the company's website. The staff member reacted to my mention of my son having disabilities and having the need for a support worker with him by strongly discouraging my going any further with the enquiry. She made no attempt to ask any questions to ascertain whether he could comply with the Terms and Conditions. When she seemed to have no more to say I said I would tell my son the trip was not possible as the company does not have Companion Card and at a cost of $350.00 per person he would not be able to pay for his support worker's ticket as well as his own. and the conversation ended civilly. If the company was serious they would not have removed my query posted on their Facebook page, but would have addressed it. They would not have removed the Review component on their Facebook page when I subsequently posted a negative review, but would have attempted to get in touch with me and find out more. They have done none of these. Their statement on Trip Adviser states they are inclusive of people with disabilities, yet for some reason they don't offer Companion Card which would encourage more people with disabilities to become customers. My experience is that they are not inclusive of people with certain types of disabilities. I do not appreciate the misleading responses they have made to my Google and Trip Adviser reviews. How more professional it would have been to offer a simple apology.