The Armstrong/Isaacs bursaries, run by the UK Light Aircraft Association (LAA), are once again open, with seven bursaries of £1,500.00 on offer this year to PPL students currently undergoing flight training.
Armstrong/Isaacs bursaries are funded from the Armstrong/Isaacs Fund, which is based on a major donation from David Armstrong, who was a founder member of the original Ultralight Aircraft Association in 1947, a lifelong member of the LAA’s predecessor the PFA and the latter’s chairman from 1960 to 1964. His legacy, co-named with that of aircraft designer and builder John Isaacs, has since 1998 enabled many young prospective pilots to gain their PPL.
Bursaries are awarded to pilots under 30 years of age who are already in training and offers finance to supplement personal funding in the later stages of the course. Applicants must have reached ‘first solo’ standard and have completed a minimum of five hours solo training, hold a valid medical and should have passed the necessary ground examinations.
The Fund’s organisers add that since UK weather is notoriously fickle, applicants who, but for the weather, would have completed five hours solo may also be considered. In such circumstances written confirmation must be provided by the CFI of the training organisation (DTO or ATO).
The bursary can only be used for flying training and cannot be used for ancillary expenses such as travel or accommodation.
On award, the LAA will contact the nominated flying school to set up an invoicing system. Details of how the funds have been spent will be required from the DTO.
To apply, interested parties should download the application form from the LAA’s website and email the completed form to [email protected] with the subject title Armstrong/Isaacs Bursary. It should arrive on or before the closing date of 01 March 2025.
The Fund’s organisers add that they may contact applicants for further information, and may request an interview, if it is thought necessary, with successful applicants notified of an award by the end of March 2025.

Commenting on his bursary, former winner Jamie Myers said: “The LAA Bursary has helped me progress my training so far, as I can now book more lessons in a shorter time frame. Because of this since being awarded the bursary I have completed my Qualifying Cross Country and am now doing revision towards my final test. Hoping to be awarded a PPL in the next few months!
Additionally, having the LAA Bursary award on my CV has helped me progress my career in aviation. I know for sure this would not have been possible without having the LAA Bursary award, as it is such a competitive programme. Many thanks for the opportunities this has provided me.”

Another former bursary winner, Angus Noakes, said: “After receiving the award, I had only a few hours to go including my Qualifying Cross Country, followed immediately by my mock test and final Skills Test which I completed in May. It is thanks to the LAA and the Armstrong Isaacs Bursary I was able to complete the final stages so quickly.
“Since passing, I have joined in with my group’s so-called ‘Lobster Run’, a cross-country tour from our base at Old Warden, aimed at getting to Barton, Manchester. We didn’t quite make it there but still flew up to Enfield, Shobdon, across to Derby and back over the course of a few days. As well as this I’ve started my aerobatics rating on the Tiger Moth and have visited several farm strips to expand my knowledge of the local area, and of course for the challenge and fun of it.
“Overall, it’s been a fantastic start to my flying career and I’m excited for what the future may hold.”