Flying Scholarships for Disabled People

Now that all of the 2026 scholars have been announced, we wanted to look back at how it all began… Selection week at RAF Cranwell was full of anticipation. But it’s about far more than the selection process, it’s about new friendships, and big dreams taking shape. From first introductions to shared laughs (and maybe a few nerves!), it’s where our future scholars began their journey. 2 months on our scholars are getting ready to go. We look forward to sharing more as our scholars get closer to taking to the skies ✈️

Before our scholars even take to the skies, there’s something just as important — feeling prepared, supported, and welcomed into the FSDP community. Our Scholars Seminar Day is where future scholars meet their flying instructors, get to know their course partners, ask every question imaginable, and start turning nerves into excitement. From meeting the flying schools and receiving flight bags, to hearing from ex-scholars who’ve been there before, the day is all about making sure everyone feels ready for the journey ahead. There’s something special about seeing a room full of people connected by a shared love of aviation and new opportunities 💙 We can’t wait to see this year’s scholars begin their flying journeys. #FlyingScholarships #AccessibleAviation #AviationOpportunities #LearnToFly #FSDP #DisabledAdultsInAviation #AviationCommunity

Friend of the Mark Long Trust, Jay Gladwin is starting a 100km walk on Saturday at 09:00 to raise funds for the Trust, who in turn support FSDP with scholarships. Jay would really appreciate your support in what is going to be a gruelling trek! You can also track his progress on his tracker....https://bit.ly/4tHZTKl ⠀ ⠀ You can donate to their JustGiving page by clicking here https://bit.ly/4dlkKNm⠀ ⠀ Good luck Jay from everyone at FSDP!

Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP) is delighted to be working with ACS Flight Training for the first time this year, providing flying lessons for two of our 2026 scholars in Perth, Scotland. During selection week at RAF Cranwell, we were pleased to be joined by Benjamin from ACS, who will be delivering the training to this year’s scholars. In this short video interview, Benjamin shares his thoughts on the experience and the opportunities ahead for the successful candidates. Partnerships like this are at the heart of what we do. Through the support of organisations such as ACS Flight Training, we are able to continue providing flying scholarships for disabled adults and creating accessible aviation pathways for people who may otherwise never have the opportunity to pursue flight training. Since 2007, ACS Flight Training has trained more than 1,000 pilots and built a strong reputation for professional excellence within aviation. We are proud to have them supporting our scholars as they begin their flying journey. We would like to thank ACS Flight Training, Benjamin, and all of our sponsors and supporters who help make these opportunities possible.

Everyone at Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP) would like to say a huge congratulations to ex-scholar Keiran Bennett on completing the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in an incredible sub-5-hour time on his very first marathon! 🏅👏 We would also like to say a massive thank you to Keiran, who took on the demanding 26.2-mile challenge to raise funds for FSDP and help future scholars experience the same life-changing opportunities that he did. His commitment to giving back is a perfect reflection of the supportive and inspiring community that FSDP is so proud to be part of. Living with congenital cerebral palsy, Keiran faces challenges with muscle strength and coordination on his right side, making this achievement even more remarkable. Despite the physical and mental demands of one of the UK’s toughest marathon routes, he showed incredible determination and resilience every step of the way. Reflecting on the day, Keiran said: “What a day, 26.2 miles later and I can officially be considered a marathon finisher. Had a few ups and downs along the way, both the route (was hillier than expected) and mentally it was a whirlwind, with a few mishaps to keep it interesting!” At FSDP, we often talk about the lasting impact of our scholarships and the strength of the community they create. Seeing former scholars like Keiran challenge themselves in order to support the next generation is a wonderful reminder that FSDP is far more than a scholarship programme. It’s a community built on encouragement, opportunity, and giving back. Congratulations once again, Keiran! 💙

Last week at the FSDP Scholars’ Seminar, ex-scholar Alvin spoke to this year’s scholars about something many people can relate to - the temptation to compare your progress to others. As someone who has already been through the flying scholarship journey, Alvin shared honest and encouraging advice about focusing on your own development because everyone learns differently. Everyone grows at their own pace. And in aviation (just like life) confidence builds one step, one lesson, and sometimes one slightly wobbly landing at a time😵‍💫 It was a message that really resonated. Flying can be challenging, exciting, and sometimes overwhelming all at once, especially when you’re learning new skills in a completely new environment. Hearing from former scholars who understand that experience first-hand is such an important part of what makes the FSDP community special. A big thank you to Alvin for taking the time to speak with this year’s scholars and share such a valuable perspective. If you’d like to learn more about our flying scholarships and aviation opportunities, or support our work, we’d love to hear from you ✈️

Meet Keith, a 2026 FSDP scholar. Keith is excited by the "challenges" and "freedoms" this flying scholarship will bring through the opportunitiy to experience the "freedom of the sky"🪽 Supported by Boeing, Keith is beginning his journey into aviation, gaining hands-on flying experience, building confidence, and developing skills through accessible aviation pathways. Boeing is a leading global aerospace company and long-standing supporter of FSDP, developing commercial aircraft, defence systems, and space technologies used in over 150 countries. Their commitment to community is reflected in initiatives such as the “Boeing Family of Scholars,” who stay connected through regular virtual catch-ups and ongoing support, as well as opportunities to engage at events such as the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT). Keith’s journey reflects the strength of long-term partnership and the belief that opportunity in aviation should be open to all. Congratulations Keith, we look forward to following your journey.

Meet Pete M., a 2026 FSDP scholar. Pete is a keen diver, sailor, and is currently training in film and tv🎬 Supported by Lockheed Martin, Pete is beginning his journey into aviation gaining hands-on flight training, building confidence, and opening new opportunities through accessible aviation. Lockheed Martin is a global aerospace and defence leader, known for innovation and advancing the future of flight, making their support of the next generation of pilots especially meaningful. Pete’s journey reflects the spirit of FSDP which is to create opportunity and show what’s possible when access meets ambition. Congratulations Pete, we look forward to following your journey.

Meet Bex, a 2026 Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP) scholar. Bex, a photography and aviation enthusiast, is supported by none other than the RAF Typhoon Display Team. Bex is beginning her journey into aviation, gaining hands-on flying experience, building confidence, and opening new opportunities through accessible aviation. The RAF Typhoon Display Team are known for their capability, precision, and professionalism, inspiring audiences across the UK and beyond. Their continued support helps extend that inspiration further creating real opportunities for disabled adults to access aviation. Bex’s journey reflects the power of ambition, support, and belief in what’s possible. Congratulations Bex, we look forward to following your journey.

Meet Mark, a 2026 FSDP scholar. Mark, outreach coordinator supporting others with spinal injuries, enjoys wheelchair rugby, RC cars, and gaming🎮 Supported by BA High Flight, Mark is beginning his journey into aviation gaining hands-on flying experience, building confidence, and accessing new opportunities through accessible aviation. Born from a group of BA pilots inspired by a disabled flying scholarship story, BA High Flight has been helping FSDP transform lives through aviation for over 25 years through the medium of flight. By enabling flying scholarships, flight training, and aviation-based experiences, they work to support those who face disability or are underrepresented. Congratulations Mark, we look forward to following your journey.

Meet Vicky, a 2026 FSDP scholar. Supported by Wings Around the World, Vicky is beginning her journey into aviation developing flying skills, building confidence, and accessing opportunities through accessible aviation. Wings Around the World was inspired by the extraordinary legacy of Polly Vacher, who in 2003 became the first pilot to attempt a solo flight around the world via both Poles in a single-engine aircraft. Having previously completed a global circumnavigation in support of FSDP, Polly went on to raise over £500,000 through her later expedition, creating a lasting fund that continues to support future scholars. Vicky’s journey reflects that same spirit of determination, courage, and possibility that continues to define Wings Around the World and FSDP today. Please join us in congratulating Vicky and welcoming him to the FSDP community.

Please welcome Pete D., a 2026 FSDP scholar✈️ ⠀ ⠀ Pete is a social entrepreneur, teaching wheelchair skills through public speaking and mentoring. Having mastered the ground in a wheelchair, Pete would now like to 'master the air' through a scholarship and its challenges.⠀ ⠀ Supported by the Ingram Trust, Pete is beginning his journey into aviation developing flying skills, building confidence, and accessing opportunity through accessible aviation pathways designed to support disabled adults across the UK.⠀ ⠀ The Ingram Trust, established in 1994 by entrepreneur Chris Ingram, provides significant annual charitable contributions to charities across the UK. Their mission to support charitable causes that create meaningful and lasting impact is why they choose to fund an FSDP scholarship.⠀ ⠀ Pete’s scholarship reflects the power of sustained charitable investment in creating opportunity where it matters most.⠀ ⠀ Congratulations Pete D., we look forward to following your journey.⠀ ⠀