A teenager is hoping Cotswold Airport’s Flying Scholarships programme will help him secure the skills he needs to fly air missions to some of the world’s most deprived areas.

James Reynolds is one of 10 young people who will take place in this year’s programme, which starts at the airport on April 6.

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.

And, although uncertain as to exactly what his future career will be at this stage, the 17-year-old has expressed a desire to fly aid missions into Africa and other needy parts of the globe.

The teenager, from South Cerney in Gloucestershire, who has already taken part in two aid missions to the former Soviet state of Moldova - one of Europe’s poorest countries - says he wants to do more to help.

James, who is in the sixth form at Pate’s Grammar School in Cheltenham, said: “When you go to somewhere like Moldova, it makes you realise what you’ve got. I don’t like the fact that we’ve got so much and other people haven’t.

“ For example, in Moldova, clean water is a problem and a school we worked with was really rundown.  There was smashed glass, the building was in a bad state of repair and the toilets were just a hole in the ground.

“Around the world, people are in constant need of help; from search and rescue for those buried by and earthquake, to food from refugees from civil wars.

“All of the resources need to come from somewhere and to get to the frontline, they need to be transported, mainly by plane.

“I have a passion to help other people and I want to be involved in flying aid to those places that need it.

“I think the scholarship will help give me the experience to decide thoroughly what career I should take as well as to help me achieve this.”

The scholarships 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.

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.

The programme has already helped change the lives of many young people, and former scholars, such as 17-year-old Joshua Dutson, have already hit the headlines.

Joshua, who lives in the Cotswolds, said the scholarships helped him turn his life around after he became seriously depressed as a result of bullying at school. He now hopes to embark on a career as an air traffic controller.

Meanwhile, fellow former scholar Barney Rowland managed to fly solo several months before passing his driving test, after spending time on the programme, and has since achieved his Private Pilots’ Licence (PPL).

Missionary James, who attends Cirencester Baptist Church, is one of 10 scholars, who were selected from a record number of applicants for the 2010 scholarships.

The others are: Matthew Crouch, from Stroud; James Rowland, from Gloucester; Kristian Lee, from Swindon; Andrew Mackenzie, from Stroud; Jack Harper, from Stonehouse; Jayson Curtis, from Thornbury; Michael Gaisford-Carter; from Chippenham; Mary Witcombe, from Stroud; and Guy Harwood, who currently lives in Maidstone but was a resident in the Cotswolds at the time of the application process.

Marketing and fundraising director for fly2help, Mandy Pantall, said: “A core aim of fly2help is to open the doors of aviation to as wider group as possible.

“ James's interest perfectly illustrates that aviation isn't just about commercial airline flying or joining the armed forces as many presume. 

“We are delighted to work in association with Cotswold Airport for a third year and, along with our colleagues, we look forward to guiding these youngsters through the broad and varied opportunities offered by the aerospace industry.”

Mr Harvey’s daughter Suzannah, who is a director at the airport, said: “We were delighted with the response to the 2010 programme and are confident that this year’s scholars will get just as much out of it as those in previous years.

“It’s fantastic to see the way they help change the lives of these young people and if we can help give them the knowledge and background they need for a future career in aviation then that is fantastic.”