Aerospace Defence

RAF pilot scheme gets off to flying start

Posted 13 March 2015

Organisers of a scholarship scheme offering members of the RAF Junior Ranks the opportunity to learn to fly have been inundated with applications.

The Junior Ranks’ Pilot Scholarship Scheme 2015, which has been funded by the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT) in partnership with the RAF Flying Clubs Association (RAFFCA) offers up to eight people the opportunity to learn to fly and achieve solo standard in a light aircraft. An earlier initiative saw RAFCT providing gliding opportunities for Phase 2 trainees at DSAE Cosford.

By the March 1 deadline, more than 100 applications had been received.

RAFCT Chairman Air Marshal Sir Kevin Leeson said: “The response had been fantastic – way beyond our expectations. It demonstrates just how enthusiastic and dedicated junior RAF personnel are to flying.

“The Trustees firmly believe that airmindedness is at the core of RAFCT's mission and the best way to get people involved in aviation is to introduce them to flying. We have been conscious that we provide substantial support for flying activities in the Air Cadet Organisation and wanted to introduce opportunities to serving RAF personnel who do not routinely fly to get airborne. This will both develop the individuals - as flying is an exacting skill which develops leadership and many other personal qualities - but will also aid RAF efficiency by getting a wider appreciation of what flying is all about.”

All of the flying undertaken can be logged towards the award of a full Flying Licence such as the National Private Pilot’s Licence (NPPL). The training will take place at Flying Clubs based at RAF Halton, RAF Cosford, RAF Waddington, RAF Leuchars and Kinloss Barracks.

A spokesman for the RAFFCA said: “The response to the scheme has been much greater than anticipated with applications received so far being from personnel based at 22 Stations and remote units. There are some particularly keen and enthusiastic JRs out there with a clear passion for flying.”