ABOVE: Previous Aerobility scholarship recipient Lina believes that being in the pilot’s seat is key to building her confidence
British flying charity Aerobility has opened the application window for its popular annual scholarship programme, which promises to provide “anyone, with any disability, the opportunity to experience the magic and wonder of flight” irrespective of experience.
Candidates may apply for either a funded Experience Day or a five-hour Flying Scholarship, which will be delivered at one of two locations: Blackbushe Airport in Hampshire, or Tatenhill Airfield in Burton-upon-Trent.
Detailing the “unique sense of freedom and achievement combined with significant personal development” the scholarship can deliver, Aerobility also note the programme’s potential to take individuals “through the first steps towards a new career”.
Interested individuals must have a disability, believe that flying would have “a positive impact” on their life, be fit-to-fly and aged at least 14 years old (if applying for a five-hour scholarship). A “realistic plan of how to use the funding in the time allocated” will also need to be detailed.
Applications close on the 9 June 2023, after which select candidates will be invited for an interview (either in person or virtually) for an interview with the scholarship board.
Dave Evans, a successful 2022 scholarship recipient, describes his experience as having left him with feelings of “improved self confidence” and “improved mental health”. Similarly, former scholarship student Lina notes: “Aerobility has gone beyond my expectations in settling those doubts and accommodating my needs. Something I’m forever grateful for!”
More information, elibility criteria and an application form can be found here.
IMAGE: AEROBILITY
