A Crowland flying club is offering one lucky student the chance to learn to fly for free as part of a college scholarship programme.
Peterborough Regional College has joined forces with Peterborough and Spalding Gliding Club, based at Crowland Airfield, to invite people to apply for an intensive course of flying instruction during the summer break, which will culminate in a solo flight.
This year, the scholarship will be funded by the Peterborough Educational Trust (PET); next year they’ll establish a group of sponsors to widen the scheme and benefit more learners.
Peterborough’s new mayor, Coun Dave Sanders, has agreed to co-fund one gliding scholarship place next year by donating £500 to the PET.
Any student from PRC or the University Centre Peterborough who meets the age and health criteria is eligible to apply.
The three most promising candidates will spend a day at Crowland Airfield this month where they will each enjoy a trial flight.
The lucky winner will be presented with their scholarship at the College’s Awards Ceremony in Peterborough Cathedral and go on to commence their training in July.
A spokesman for the college said: “This is an incredible opportunity to learn to fly – an undertaking that is beyond financial reach for many but which is now possible for one learner due to the support of the local gliding club and the resources of the PET.”
Senior managers at the college got to learn what the students will be in for when they visited the club to familiarise themselves with the set up.
Five managers were soon soaring over the Fens and enjoying a breathtaking experience in their fleet of modern aircraft.
Anybody interested in supporting the scheme can contact the college to find out more by calling 0345 872 8722 to speak to a member of the team.
