Teens can achieve take off by applying for RAF Association Flying Scholarship

Teenagers across the country are being given the opportunity to learn how to fly, thanks to the RAF Association.

Applications for the Royal Air Forces Association’s Flying Scholarships for 2020 opened today (16 September). Successful applicants win at least 12 hours of flying lessons with a qualified instructor.

The scholarships are awarded annually to recognise young people’s outstanding commitment, through volunteering, to the RAF Association, the charity that supports the wellbeing of the RAF family.

11 young people successfully became Flying Scholars through last year’s intake. They have recently been taking their flying lessons at South Warwickshire Flying School at Wellesbourne Airfield.

Abbi Flynn, an RAF Air Cadet from Scarborough, said:

“If you’d told me even six months ago that I’d be here doing a flying scholarship I wouldn’t have believed you. But now here I am, preparing to fly solo! I’d really recommend applying, you never know what might happen.”

Applicants for the scholarships must be aged 16 to 19, and must have served at least 12 months with the RAF Air Cadets, Girls Venture Corps Air Cadets or Explorer Air Scouts.

RAF Air Cadet Alex Braybrook, from Peterborough, said: “Volunteering for the RAF Association really helps to open up pathways like this.”

Last year, more than 250 young people applied to become Flying Scholars with the RAF Association. The 11 successful applicants received their scholarships from the former Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, at the RAF Association’s National Conference in May 2019.

Group Captain Del Rowlands, Director of Membership for the RAF Association, said: “For decades now, our Flying Scholarship programme has been giving ambitious youngsters the chance to learn how to fly, and potentially earning them a light aircraft pilot licence.

“For many of them it’s been their first step in a successful career as a pilot, either in the RAF or in the commercial sector. We’re hoping for even more applicants for 2020, and I’d urge any young people interested in these scholarships to visit our website.”

Applications must be submitted by midnight on 29 February 2020. More information, including a video taken of this year’s Flying Scholars learning to fly, is available by clicking the button below.