Fly away with Helping Wings charity

Sunday 19 February 2017

There is £7000 worth of flying scholarships available to islanders who struggle with disabilities or disadvantages but want to experience the freedom of flying.

Two grants are available this year through Helping Wings, a local charity that aims to share the excitement of flying with local disadvantaged and disabled individuals.

Speaking about the two scholarships available, Eveline Hawkin, Chairman of Helping Wings said: “These scholarships have been life changing for our awardees, giving them a chance to achieve their dreams and to realise that they can go beyond what they thought was possible.”

The Ports of Jersey are sponsoring a £2000 bursary for flight training for the fifth year in a row. The scholarship will enable the successful candidate to complete enough training to be at, or close to, the point where they are ready to fly solo.

Helping Wings is also offering a scholarship for lower limb disabled individuals sponsored by The Sir James Knott Trust.

This is the second year the £5000 bursary is being offered to individuals and it will cover approximately 28 hours out of the 45 required to obtain the full EASA Private Pilot’s licence.

Islanders with lower limb disabilities are able to enjoy the freedom of flying after Helping Wings was able to purchase, with the help of the Lion’s Club of Jersey, an aircraft that is specially fitted to accommodate disabled individuals. The special aircraft was purchased last year and has replaced the conventional control of the rudder by foot movement is with a hand control.

Applicants for both scholarships should be over 15 years of age and able to complete the flying course during 2017. Forms to apply can be found here.