Events and Air Smiles Days
Scholars Reach New Heights in 2010
The class of 2010 has graduated with "high-flying" colours from Cotswold Airport's annual Aviation Scholarship
programme, of which fly2help is a key partner.
Ten young people, aged between 14 and 18, were selected from a record number of applications and embarked on two weeks of practical and class-based lessons covering areas including flying, engineering and air traffic control. Educational visits to places such as RAF Lyneham and Filton were also included in the programme, to give the students first-hand experience of what it is like to embark on a career in the aviation industry, whether it be military or civilian.
fly2help was proud to play an instrumental role in organising and schooling the students in what was a
superbly talented intake. The programme, which is generously funded by Cotswold Airport owner Ronan Harvey, is now in its fourth year and the
search for the scholars of 2011 will soon begin.
In the meantime, however, fly2help would like to offer its congratulations to all who took part and thank everyone who supported the programme.
Mandy Pantall said: "The scholarships really do change people's lives and we are so proud to play such a key role in helping make them a success. The increasing popularity of the scheme is a clear indication of how highly the programme is regarded and to see the way that young people enjoy and benefit from it is what makes the scholarships so worthwhile."
"fly2help would like to offer its congratulations to everyone in the class of 2010 and say a big thank you
to all of the partner organisations and individuals who have contributed to making the programme a success. The dust has obviously still not settled from this year's programme but we are already looking forward to
welcoming the next intake and will make details of the application process available in due course."
During the scholarships, students 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).
In addition, 2010 scholar James Reynolds has spoken to the media about his ambition to fly aid missions to some of the world's most needy spots.
For the record, the class of 2010 were James Reynolds, from South Cerney; 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.
The winner of the Propeller Award for the most improved student went to Michael Gaisford-Carter.
Please watch this space for details of how to apply for a place on the 2011 scholarships programme.
