This year, as with so much of the selection process, we have had to make changes to ensure we and you are Covid safe. Therefore, our intention is to hold the Scholars Seminar online and post to you all the various equipment needed for your scholarship. Once again, a big thank you to Pooley’s for generously donating all your ground school books and kit. Below you will see advice based on a typical year, some of which will still be useful in giving you a flavor of how the ‘online’ day will run.
One of the main reasons for this event is to give you all the opportunity to meet your flying instructors and other representatives from allocated flying schools. This will provide you with a chance to ask any questions about your scholarship and allow you to get to know your instructor and fellow scholars a little better prior to the commencement of their flight training. You will also be provided with all the flight training equipment that will be necessary to carry out your flying. This will include an FSDP Fleece and Polo shirt, flying manuals and a map. The instructors will sit with their individual scholars and provide information about routines, the airfield and other practical advice. Our medics will also be present for the day. They will inform you of the current status of your aviation medical application and make you aware of any restrictions that may have to be imposed, on account of disability or medication
A series of presentations will take place at the event . Beginning with the General Manager of FSDP , Lou Buckley welcoming everyone and making them all aware of who’s present, and how they can help. A member of the FSDP Flying committee will discuss the forthcoming flight training and what you can expect to achieve during your time there. This will be followed by a former scholar giving a personal and valuable insight in to his/her journey, and what has happened since completing their scholarship. They will offer some useful tips and answer any questions you might have. Finally, our co-founder and Vice-Patron, Tim Prince, will give a fascinating presentation on the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) . Explaining the historical connection between RIAT and FSDP bound by the man who inspired the charity, Sir Douglas Bader.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided during the course of the day and a group photograph is taken of all the candidates. Above all though we want you to have fun and enjoy this first step on your adventure of learning to fly.