The aim of a scholarship is to both challenge and inspire; building up confidence, self-esteem and future aspirations. It is truly a life changing experience that helps people achieve their potential no matter what disadvantages they may face in their lives.

There is no specified target or standard of achievement; what is accomplished will depend on an individual’s flying ability and any limitations arising from a particular disability, whether physical, mental or fatigue related.

The number of scholarships, and their type, will vary each year, as they are dependent on the generosity of our sponsors and donors.

The costs of flying training, ground school, accommodation and food are all covered, however scholars are responsible for their own travel costs and it is essential that they have their own vehicle to get to and from the flying school.

Scholarships commence with a scholar’s seminar near the end of April, during which scholars are introduced to their instructors and scholar training partner(s).

Flying training is undertaken at flying schools in the UK between May and October. They will be of three or four-weeks duration and will include a maximum of 16 or 20 hours flying tuition and associated ground school in either a PA-28 or a Microlight aircraft. To find out more about a typical day at a flying school on a FSDP scholarship click here.

FSDP scholars currently undertake their flying training in the UK at Bristol Aero Club  at Gloucestershire Airport,Turweston Flying Club at Turweston Aerodrome or Shadow Aviation at Compton Abbas.  In all cases accommodation is provided near to the Flying School.

Scholars usually go in groups of two or three, so it is important to emphasise that the ability and willingness to interact with people who they may have only met briefly during the selection process is vital.

Scholars are presented with a scholarship certificate at a special ceremony at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in the July of the year they are awarded their scholarship, and will be invited back to RIAT the following year to be awarded their ‘pilot’s wings’. Both of these events form part of the scholarship and attendance is compulsory.

The scholarship does not end with learning to fly. Scholars will become part of the FSDP family and will be invited to our family events. We have an active Facebook community and online members area (the Big Wing) and scholars are encouraged to become part of those.