ABOVE: Rob Wildeboer, Goodwood Flying School’s much-missed Manager

Goodwood Flying School has announced the opening of the Rob Wildeboer Scholarships for 2026. On Tuesday 20 July 2021, the Goodwood aviation community experienced a great loss with the passing of Rob Wildeboer, the Goodwood Flying School Manager, after a sudden illness. Since 2022, to honour Rob’s memory and legacy, scholarships have been established to support students in their aviation journeys, made possible through the generous contributions of the community.

Goodwood has already raised £38,000 to date and has helped 26 students on their aviation journeys. With the continuation of the Scholarships, there are three more opportunities available. In a statement, Goodwood said “we remain committed to keeping Rob’s legacy alive and hope to grow this initiative in the years to come.”

The scholarships available for 2026 are for three, ten-hour training programmes in the Cessna 172 and two, five-hour training programmes in the Piper Cub. In addition to the scholarships, Pooleys Flight Equipment has donated several PPL/NPPL Course Training Books to support the successful candidates.

To apply for a Rob Wildeboer Scholarship, please email scholarship@goodwood.com, explaining in no more than 500 words which Scholarship you would like to apply for and why. Please provide brief details of any previous flying experience, along with your future aviation plans, and how the scholarship would help you achieve them. Scholarships can be awarded for students at the start of their training or to help complete any course that Goodwood offer. Please add your location and travel arrangements if not local to Goodwood.

All applicants must be at least 16 years old and hold, or be capable of obtaining, the appropriate aviation medical. Scholarships are only available for training at Goodwood Flying School and training must be carried out in 2026. Any training required beyond that provided by the Scholarship will be at the applicant’s own expense. Interviews will be conducted in person at Goodwood during the month of March. There are five scholarships available for five individuals. Applications will only be accepted in writing via email by 28 February 2026.

PHOTO: GOODWOOD FLYING CLUB