Fund Your Flight Training
The cost of training shouldn't ground your dreams. Explore the major UK scholarship schemes, bursaries, and affordable modular pathways.
How to Secure a Scholarship
Scholarships are highly competitive. Here is what panels look for.
Proven Aptitude
Demonstrate potential through good grades in Maths/Physics, or existing gliding/PPL experience.
Contribution
Don't just take; give back. Volunteering at airfields, cadets, or charities is often a requirement.
Resilience
Training is hard. Show a history of overcoming obstacles and sticking with goals when things get tough.
Preparation
Treat the application like a job interview. Know the sponsor's history and values inside out.
Major UK Trusts & Bodies
Honourable Company of Air Pilots
Formerly GAPAN. This is the "Gold Standard" of scholarships. They offer PPL scholarships (covering the full cost) and Flight Instructor (FI) sponsorship. Highly competitive but career-changing.
The Air League
One of the UK's largest scholarship providers. They offer flying bursaries (cash contributions towards hours), gliding scholarships, and engineering placements. Open to a wide age range.
Royal Aero Club Trust
Specifically for young people (14-21). They offer bursaries to "top up" training for those already progressed in air sports (Gliding, Microlights, Fixed Wing). Great for finishing a license.
Diversity & Training Pathways
BWPA
The British Women Pilots' Association offers scholarships to support women in aviation. These range from "first lesson" grants to CPL/Instructor rating support.
Wings Alliance
Not a cash bursary, but a training alliance that helps modular students achieve airline standards for less cost. They offer an assessment and mentoring pathway that can lead to airline placement.
LAA Armstrong-Isaacs
Run by the Light Aircraft Association. Aimed at young pilots (under 30) to achieve a PPL on light aircraft. Excellent for those interested in vintage or homebuilt aviation.
Additional Funding Sources
Cadet Forces
RAF Air Cadets, Combined Cadet Force (CCF), and Army Air Corps offer flying opportunities and grants. Ideal starting point for younger candidates with strong commitment.
Gliding Scholarships
Many gliding clubs and the British Gliding Association offer scholarships. Lower cost than powered flight but excellent foundation for pilot training.
Local Business Sponsorship
Approach local companies for sponsorship. They often value aviation ambition and may offer loans, grants, or work placement schemes in exchange for involvement.
No Scholarship?
Go Modular.
If you don't secure a scholarship or fully funded cadetship, the Modular Pathway is your best option. Unlike "Integrated" courses that demand £100k upfront, Modular training allows you to "pay as you fly."
How ASK Aviation Helps: We don't sell training; we help you plan it. We work with you to build a sustainable timeline and budget that fits your actual income, ensuring you don't run out of funds halfway through.
Book Free 30-Min Strategy CallClear Horizon Planner™
Our bespoke budgeting tool helps you input your savings and monthly income to generate a realistic Modular Flight Training timeline.
Fully Funded Airline Cadetships
Look out for rare but life-changing schemes from British Airways (Speedbird Academy), TUI, and Aer Lingus.
Sign Up for Cadetship Alerts