Awards Made At Royal International Air Tattoo 2013.

On the occasion of this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT 2013) the disability and aviation charity, Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP) awarded certificates of scholarship to nine new trainees and congratulated a further eight for achieving their wings. The charity’s program aims to change the candidate’s lives, all of whom are disabled, through the medium of flight. This brings the total number of students that have been through the training program to nearly 400 over a 30 year period.

The certificates were awarded to the proud scholars by the charity Patron His Royal Highness Prince Faisal of Jordan whilst the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton presented them with flying jackets.

In welcoming the guests to the ceremony, Chairman of the charity Edwin Brenninkmeyer paid tribute to the courage, determination and good humor of the scholars for overcoming seemingly impossible situations in order to gain a new lease of life. Amongst the scholars were those who had lost limbs through injury in military action, had suffered devastating motorbike accidents or who suffer from neurological problems making everyday life a challenge. “FSDP aims to demonstrate that whilst you are physically challenged you can still learn and develop new skills that seem to be out of reach. To use a familiar saying we don’t wish to give them fish, we want to teach them how to fish.  The scholars show that with the right attitude almost anything is possible and we are very proud of all of them,” said Brenninkmeyer in his opening speech.

One of this year’s sets of wings was awarded to Alan Robinson. Having lost his right leg in a motorbike accident, Alan took up the opportunity to learn to fly microlights and will be joining a team of disabled men and women who will be flying to Antarctica next year. This expedition is being supported by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry through the Royal Foundation and demonstrates just what can be achieved through the FSDP program.

Special awards were also presented to two of this year’s newly qualified pilots. Mary Doyle who suffers from Cerebral Palsy was awarded The Wings Around the World Trophy which is awarded to the female scholar who is judged to have achieved much from the flight training experience. Since learning to fly Mary has not only gained in confidence but now has become an ambassador for the charity and never hesitates to give as much back as she can. The award was presented by renowned female aviator Polly Vacher who through two solo round the world flights raised up to half a million pounds for FSDP. A second award, the George Stewart Memorial trophy which is presented to the scholar judged to have achieved the most from the scholarship, was awarded to Mark Tomlinson. 

Lee Noon was awarded this year’s Red Arrows scholarship and was proud to have his photo taken with the Red Arrows team who dropped in to show their ongoing support. Mike Child Red Arrow 9 commented “It is great to offer people the opportunity to go flying that otherwise wouldn’t have the chance. Flying gives the feeling of being in control and for those restricted to a wheelchair or by minimal movement flight provides a whole new dimension in which to function. The confidence they build from the training is amazing and we are so pleased to be involved with such an excellent charity.”

Audience members included FSDP Trustees, previous scholars, family and friends of this year’s students who sat alongside Iron Maiden’s lead singer Bruce Dickinson recently appointed as a Vice Patron, David Jason one of the UK’s leading Actors and senior military figures from the Royal Air Force. 

The FSDP funding covers the costs of the pilot training in addition to accommodation and services needed throughout the duration of the course.

FMI: www.FSFDP.org.uk