Flying Scholarships for the Disabled
21/02/07: Sue Whitby, FSD Director
Helping Disabled men and women to reach for the sky
Throw a pebble in the water, and watch the ripples extend across the lake!
Like the ripples stretching across the lake, the disabled men and women who have been awarded a scholarship through Flying Scholarships for the Disabled (FSD) find previously undiscovered potential which touches not only their lives, but those of family and friends.
The whole process begins when the applicant, following submission of an application form, is invited to a three-day selection process which is kindly hosted at RAF Cranwell.
Previous scholars come along to act as mentors, helping to put the applicants at their ease as they go through various interviews and tests, and those successful in being awarded a scholarship are advised a few days later.
Three types of scholarship are available.
A full PPL scholarship consists of 40 hours of flight training plus ground school and is undertaken overseas, currently at the 43rd School of Flying in Port Alfred, South Africa.
Sometimes FSD comes across someone who they feel really deserves this special opportunity but for various reasons would not be suitable for sending overseas. So when funds permit, they are able to offer them the NPPL type course at Goodwood.
For similar reasons they can also offer a ‘mini’ type of scholarship at Goodwood, which consists of a 10 hour taster of flying training and appropriate ground school.
All scholarships include accommodation and subsistence at no cost to the student.
Full scholarships are always done overseas for three main reasons. First the weather is more flying friendly which is really important when only 6 weeks are available. Secondly, it is much more cost effective for the Charity but standards are not in any way compromised. Thirdly many of the scholars have never had to look after their everyday needs, always having family and carers for support. A residential course far from home really helps them regain confidence and self-esteem.
Like most Charities, FSD depends solely on donations, local fund raising and sponsorship, which directly relates to the number of scholarships which they are able to award each year.
Today, as in the past, FSD enjoys many associations with the Royal Air Force. Founded in 1982 in memory of Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader, it was intended to perpetuate his indomitable spirit. After losing both legs in a flying accident, Sir Douglas persisted in his efforts against all odds to resume his flying career with the RAF. He went on to achieve fame in World War II as a fighter pilot and gifted leader, pursuing a career in civilian flying after war end. Although the primary aim of the scheme is to give disabled people the opportunity to realise their full potential through the pleasure, the thrill and the freedom of flying, a few students do complete sufficient flying to qualify for a Private Pilots Licence.
Since 1982 the Charity has helped over 250 disabled men and women to ‘reach for the sky’. During the weekend of the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford each July, there is a special Presentation Ceremony when the scholars receive their wings and certificates. Queen Noor, FSD’s Patron or Prince Feisal always attends this event and assisted by our own Chief of the Air Staff, makes the presentations to the scholars. It’s a very proud moment for all concerned with the Red Arrows and members of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) joining the celebrations. The Charity is very proud of its association with the Red Arrows and the BBMF and each year FSD is invited to take a few scholars to spend a day with each team, seeing how they operate and practise as well as having a really close look at their ‘hardware’.
Since the Charity was formed, the trustees have been privileged and also humbled by many of the men and women who have passed through its flight training scheme and this article would not be complete without mentioning Emma Suddaby whose story appeared in the NRAS Winter 2006 Newsletter.
Emma was only 22 when she awoke one morning 12 years ago unable to move. Rheumatoid arthritis had hit her over night. She has faced numerous operations to keep her mobile including two knees and one hip replacement. She has been cocooned by caring family and friends but the scholarship has enabled her to prove to others as well as herself, what she is capable of and has given her a new zest for life.
If you would like to apply for an FSD 2008 flying scholarship please do so by 31 December 2007. You can either apply on line http://www.toreachforthesky.org.uk/ , by telephone 0870 800 1942 or by writing to Sue Whitby, FSD Director, Douglas Bader House, Horcott Hill, Fairford, Gloucestershire GL7 4RB.