Flying scholarship empowers people with disabilities in Cornwall
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In Cornwall, England, Flynqy Pilot Training and Aerobility are offering disabled people the chance to learn to fly through the Cornwall Flying Scholarship programme.
Michael, a 66-year-old man with visual and cognitive impairments, piloted a light aircraft on September 11th with instructor guidance, describing the experience as life-changing for someone with a disability. The initiative, launched in September, provides both trial flights and fully-funded training.
Flynqy began offering the scholarships after receiving a donation from a local pilot, allowing them to subsidise flights for applicants from Cornwall and Devon. Around 30 people have applied so far, including those with physical, hidden, and mental health challenges, as well as veterans. Nathan Doidge, a 44-year-old with cerebral palsy, gained his pilot’s license through Aerobility in 2012 and now encourages others to pursue flying.
Organisers hope the scholarship will encourage more disabled people to enter the aviation industry, and Cornwall Airport Newquay is supporting the effort to expand opportunities in the South West region.
