Partnership to support aspiring commercial pilots

 
Above: (left to right) Gill Fowkes and Janine Hornsby.
Courtesy The Air League

The collaboration ensures individuals receive clear guidance on the training options available to them, tailored to their specific circumstances, including considerations of timing, flexibility and cost.

This partnership will foster collaboration between the three organisations, facilitating the sharing of best practices and strengthening the support available to those looking to pursue an aviation career. As part of the initiative, Bristol Groundschool will annually be offering five scholarships through The Air League, furthering its commitment to developing the next generation of aviation professionals.

The partnership and the Scholarships were launched officially at the Pilot Careers Live event at the Sofitel in Heathrow on Saturday 22nd March. This prestigious event provided an excellent platform to introduce the initiative to prospective pilots and industry stakeholders.

Gill Fowkes, Commercial Director at Bristol Groundschool and the Wings Alliance, commented: “We are thrilled to be joining forces with The Air League to ensure that aspiring pilots receive impartial and high-quality advice on their training journey. Our collaboration will allow us to work closely to support individuals in making informed decisions about their future and our scholarship programme will help make pilot training more accessible.”

Janine Hornsby, CEO of The Air League, added: “At the Air League we are committed to breaking down barriers to aviation and aerospace careers. By partnering with Bristol Groundschool and Wings Alliance, we can ensure that more aspiring pilots receive the guidance and financial support they need to achieve their dreams.”

Founded in 1909, the Air League is a UK aviation, aerospace and space charity, dedicated to breaking down barriers and changing lives. Through scholarships, outreach and industry partnerships, it inspires and supports the next generation, increasing social mobility and making careers in these sectors more accessible. Each year, thousands benefit from its programmes, including disadvantaged young people and wounded servicemen and women. The Air League also advocates for the future of aviation and aerospace, championing skills development, sustainability and innovation through events, lectures and policy engagement.

Bristol Groundschool was founded in 1992 by ex-RAF TriStar Captain Alex Whittingham, specialising in distance learning and training for EASA/UK CAA Professional Pilot’s Licence theory exams. Bristol Groundschool has a stellar reputation in the industry for being the most effective, trusted and manageable training system available – regarded as a world leader in ATPL(A), ATPL(H) and IR theory training. No strangers to innovation, BGS was the first ground school to develop computer-based learning materials for the study of flight theory.

Applications open on Saturday 22nd March and will close on Sunday 4th May. For further information and to apply, click here.