Young people who have dreamt of becoming a pilot, aviation engineer or air traffic controller could soon be given the chance with a place on Cotswold Airport’s 2010 Flying Scholarships programme.
The scheme, which was first introduced three years ago, gives budding aviators, aged between 14 and 18, the chance to embark on a career in aviation and gain experience and training close to home.
The programme, which is funded by Cotswold Airport owner and chief executive Ronan Harvey and is supported by the airport-based charity fly2help and flying organisations on the site, has already helped change the lives of dozens of young people for the better.
And it is now inviting applications from young people in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire with a view to filling the 10 available places on the 2010 scheme.
During the scholarships, students will be able to experience flight, receive tuition at the airport’s aviation ground school, see at first-hand the work of air traffic controllers, flying instructors and engineers and receive expert guidance from aviation professionals.
Mr Harvey’s daughter Suzannah, who is a director at the airport, said: “We are delighted to announce another scholarship programme and sincerely hope that it will enable another group of young people to embark on a career in their chosen aviation arena.
“Cotswold Airport has all the facilities in place to enable this to happen and I am sure that the students on the 2010 programme will find it exciting, hugely interesting and rewarding.”
Ronan Harvey added: “Aviation has been my own passion since childhood so I am extremely pleased to be able to play my part in further developing the interests and careers of others through the programme.
“For a number of scholars, it will be the first time they have experienced flight in a one-to-one scenario or to see the work in real-life of air traffic controllers or engineers.
Mandy Pantall, fly2help’s marketing and fundraising director, said: “This is an incredible opportunity for anyone who is passionate about aviation and interested in pursuing a career within this exciting and dynamic community.
“We have already had such great feedback on how the programme has changed the lives of those taking part so I would urge anyone interested to get in touch.
“Each and every scholar benefited immensely from the programme, and they all went away with their enthusiasm for aviation intensified.”
Application forms are available on the fly2help website www.fly2help.org .
The closing date for applications is January 31, 2010, and interviews for the short-listed candidates will be held on February 27.
The scholarships will run from March 29 until April 9.
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Case Study 1 – Joshua Dutson (available for interview)
Joshua Dutson says the scholarships saved his life after he became seriously depressed as a result of bullying at school.
The problem became so bad that the 17-year-old, who lives in the Cotswolds, was eventually taken out of school, underwent medical treatment and was tutored at home.
His mother Melissa said Joshua even became phobic about venturing outdoors and found it difficult to mix with people.
Then, in 2007, they spotted an advert for the scholarships programme and aviation enthusiast Joshua decided to apply.
Despite his nerves, Joshua’s application was chosen and he came through the selection interviews with flying colours.
Now, two years on, and he says his confidence is coming back, he is about to study A-levels at college and then hopes to embark on a career as an air traffic controller.
Melissa said: “It was literally Kemble, the scholarships and fly2help that got him back on his feet.
“Words can’t really describe. It completely refocused him.”
Joshua said: “As far back as I can remember, my passion has been aviation. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do and I want to fulfil my dream now.
“The bullying had made me feel worthless, like I was good for nothing, so I was terrified at first when I applied.
“But then I realised the people on the scholarships with me were people with the same passion as me.
“The day I got the phone call to say I’d been accepted was a great day for me. I had always wanted to be a pilot but the scholarship has got me hooked on air traffic control now.”
Case Study 2 – Beth Webster (available for interview)
Aviation runs in the blood for Beth Webster, and her time on the scholarship programme has already helped secure her first role in aviation – at Cotswold Airport.
The 18-year-old, from Tetbury, Glos, whose family have a long-standing connection with the RAF, says she hopes to follow suit.
And she says her time as a scholar at Cotswold Airport has certainly helped set her on the right career path.
She said: “It’s good because it’s not just about flying – you get to look at the industry as a whole.
“I used to come to the airshows here but the scholarships really do give you the chance to see how everything works. I’ve been up in the tower. They’ve been teaching me about the radios and there’s so much more. It really has got me addicted to aviation.”
After completing the scholarship, Beth was taken on at Cotswold Airport as an operations assistant, where she continues to learn from the team.
She hopes to join the RAF in the near future and study aerospace engineering.
BACKGROUND BRIEF
Royal Air Force Kemble opened in 1938 as part of the RAF’s ‘expansion plan’, which concentrated on training and maintenance bases.
It has been used for aviation activities ever since and was home to the world-famous Red Arrows display team during the 1980s, who were a regular sight in the skies above the south Cotswolds, practicing up to four times a day.
The airport’s current owner, Ronan Harvey, operated the airfield on behalf of the Ministry of Defence for five years, before purchasing it outright in 2001.
His aim was to maintain the site’s use as an active airfield and safeguard its rich heritage, while at the same time encouraging both local and international businesses to base themselves at Kemble – a move which has created hundreds of jobs in the local community,
Today, the site, which is known as Cotswold Airport and is licenced by the Civil Aviation Authority, is home to dozens of businesses, flying clubs and a thriving restaurant.
The airport stages a host of events, including the hugely popular annual Kemble Airshow, Vintage Flying Weekend, Race for Life, and Mobility Show – the biggest UK show devoted to mobility for the disabled.
In addition, the airport has very strong ties with the local community, offering a flying scholarship scheme to young pilots, engineers and would-be traffic controllers.
The airport also raises thousands of pounds for charities and worthy causes, including the RAF Benevolent Fund.