Now in its 11th year, the Sir Geoffrey de Havilland Flying Scholarship is once again open for applications, offering a £6,000 training fund towards the grant of a PPL undertaken in a DH82A Tiger Moth, the historic military trainer.
The scholarship is provided by Livery institution, the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers, and is delivered by the Cambridge Flying Group (CFG), now relocated to Old Warden Aerodrome in Bedfordshire. It has been said many times that “if you can fly a Tiger Moth – you can fly anything!” and the yellow and silver Tiger Moth biplanes of the CFG have 65 years of providing this experience.
The Coachmakers say they are seeking applications from those with an affinity for vintage and historic aerospace, either as an ambition, or perhaps from those already working in a voluntary, full-time, or part time capacity.
Applicants need not have any prior flying experience, but a keen interest in aviation is a must. The scholarship for £6,000 is deemed sufficient to fund most of the cost of the standard hours training required for a Private Pilot’s Licence with the remainder to be funded by the successful candidate on an hours-flown basis.
Applications for the 2024 award are now open and the closing date is midnight 30 June 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be advised by 19 July and interviews for the shortlisted candidates will take place on 24 August at the Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden Aerodrome, home of CFG. In addition to the interview, shortlisted candidates will also be given a short flight in a Tiger Moth.
The winner of the scholarship will also be invited to, and expected to attend, the Coachmakers’ Aerospace Industry Dinner held annually in November at a prestigious location in London.
At this event the winner will be presented with a Certificate of Achievement in the presence of
several senior executives from the UK and European aerospace industries.
The Coachmakers add that not only does this award offer opportunities and financial assistance in the short term, but that association with the Livery company is potentially long-term and offers exciting networking opportunities.
