Aerospace

Farnborough Airport announces Flying Scholar for 2019

Posted 20 November 2019

Farnborough Airport has announced that 18-year-old Farnborough local, Tom Ferguson, has been selected from a wide range of candidates to be awarded the Farnborough Airport Flying Scholarship 2019 which provides training towards a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL).

Above: (left to right) Tom Ferguson and Brandon O’Reilly, CEO Farnborough Airport.
Courtesy Farnborough Airport

The Farnborough Airport Flying Scholarship is part of the airport’s 'Aviation to Education' programme. Now in its 12th year, the programme engages schools and colleges within the local area to inform and educate pupils and students about the aviation industry. Under the auspices of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots’ scholarship programme, Farnborough Airport grants one young person a scholarship with the aim of providing the opportunity to gain flying experience and ultimately achieve their PPL. For over a decade now, scholarship recipients have progressed to a variety of professional roles within the aviation industry such as commercial airline pilot.

Currently studying A level Maths, Further Maths and Physics at The Sixth Form College, Farnborough, this year’s scholarship recipient, Tom, would ultimately love to pursue his dream of becoming a fast-jet pilot with the RAF. Before being awarded the scholarship, Tom completed a highly competitive application process, underwent various aptitude tests and an interview before final selection. He has been training at Blackbushe School of Flying at Blackbushe Airport and the time flown will count towards his PPL.

Tom Ferguson said: "I would like to thank Farnborough Airport for providing me with this fantastic opportunity. From when I was just a very young boy, I dreamt of being able to learn to fly, with the ultimate goal of becoming a fast-jet pilot with the RAF. This Flying Scholarship has brought me one vital step closer to achieving this goal and allowing me to make my dreams a reality.”

Brandon O’Reilly, CEO Farnborough Airport, said: “Encouraging young people and helping them to reach their potential is extremely important. As a former British Airways Commercial Trainee, I appreciate only too well the importance of opportunities like our Flying Scholarship. I am pleased to award Tom with this scholarship as he starts his career in the world of aviation.”