Article by Mark Manwaring
The Halton Aero Club has been the main training provider for the Junior Rank Pilot Scholarship Scheme (JRPSS) since its start in 2015. Over that time, the HAC has trained 30 junior members of the RAF to solo standard – this year, the HAC has been tasked with hosting 10 of the 35 scholarships awarded.
The Scheme is funded by the RAF Charitable Trust which primarily generates its charitable funds through the Royal International Air Tattoo. The scholarships are awarded the very best of the applicants annually through a rigorous selection process. The scholarships are conducted at RAF Flying Clubs and follow the first 15 hours of the LAPL Syllabus to solo standard. Groundschool is also provided and scholars are expected to study for, and take, as many of the CAA exams as possible. Each year, additional ‘Top-Up’ Scholarships are awarded to the best of previous years’ scholars to continue to completion of the LAPL.
The Scheme provides the RAF with tradesmen and women who are significantly more ‘air-minded’ than their peers and fantastic advocates of General Aviation. In addition, 3 HAC graduates have successfully applied for commissioned flying service in the RAF as pilots and weapon systems officers.
Following a delayed Covid start, as at 22 September 2020, 5 scholars have commenced training at RAF Halton with 2 having solo’d (and more imminent!). Our congratulations go to all scholars, past and present, and we look forward to continuing this life-changing training into the future.