Gliding Scholarships

The FAAOA Aviation Scholarship Trust awards gliding scholarships to young people who are interested in pursuing a career in the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. Gliding Scholarships are normally programmed to take place during the Easter and August holiday periods. The courses are run through Naval Gliding Clubs which are subject to the rules and regulations of the British Gliding Association, (BGA).

The courses are insured and staffed by qualified instructors. Where possible, air experience in a small fixed wing aircraft is provided by The Fleet Air Arm Squadron which is a group of FAA Officers Association members who provide their own private aircraft, insured to carry passengers and governed by civilian flying rules.

Please read the application criteria below carefully.  In particular you must be over 18 years old, and applications must be received between January 2nd and June 5th 2023; applications not meeting these criteria will be rejected without acknowledgement.

What do the scholarships provide?

An intensive gliding course of up to eight days at one of two locations - Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall and The Army Aviation Centre at Middle Wallop. The training is dependent on weather and your aptitude but can often lead to a solo flight in a glider. Food and accommodation is provided in the Officers Mess on the Air Station. Where possible, a powered flying navigation exercise and visits to FAA training facilities are included.

Who is eligible?

Young people who are -

• Over 18 years old
• A British citizen
• Able to demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a career in the Royal Navy as a Fleet Air Arm aviator.

Applications

Applications must be submitted using the on-line form between. January 2nd and June 5th 2023.  Please do not apply outside of this period, your application will be invalid and will not be acknowledged or actioned.

Please complete the on-line application form.

What happens next?

In due course the Gliding Scholarship Administrator will issue guidance notes containing course dates, venue and other details, the course preference form, parental consent form and request for photo ID all of which are to be completed and returned to the administrator by email in order for the applicant to be considered for selection.

Applicants will be informed if they have been selected by March 10th for the April course.

How are the scholarships paid for?

Successful applicants are sponsored by the Fleet Air Arm Officers Association through its charitable arm, the Aviation Scholarship Trust. Money comes from industrial and commercial companies and organisations in the aerospace and defence industries as well as individual members of the FAAOA.

If you are interested in encouraging young people to join the Fleet Air Arm by becoming a sponsor with a donation or a regular direct debit then you can request information by filling in the on-line enquiry.

Please Note: FAAOA Gliding Scholarships are strictly limited to those who hold British citizenship.