Scholar overview
Scholar: Jack Hutchinson
Scholarship awarded: The Air League Engineering Scholarship, delivered through The Air League’s partners, Affinity Flying Training Services
Occupation: Apprentice Aircraft Engineer with Virgin Atlantic
When Jack Hutchinson applied for The Air League Engineering Scholarship, he did so with a clear ambition: to secure an apprenticeship as an aircraft engineer. With limited access to hands-on Part145 aircraft maintenance experience, Jack knew that practical exposure would be essential to achieving his long-held goal of working on commercial airliners, particularly the Airbus A350.
Thanks to The Air League’s Engineering Scholarship, Jack gained the skills, insight and confidence needed to pursue his engineering ambitions. In September 2024, shortly after completing the scholarship, he achieved his dream job: Apprentice Aircraft Engineer at Virgin Atlantic.
The Scholarship Experience
Before beginning the scholarship, Jack had already built up meaningful early experience in aviation, including around 10 flying hours, an opportunity to fly the Airbus A350 in the CAE Crawley full‑motion simulator with a TRI/TRE, and work experience at Virgin Atlantic Engineering Manchester. However, the structured, practical training offered through The Air League allowed him to step inside a real engineering environment and begin developing the technical capability needed for an airline engineering apprenticeship.
“The scholarship helped me believe in myself before starting my apprenticeship. Having already used aircraft documentation and gained basic hand skills, the leap into heavy commercial engineering didn’t feel as daunting.”
During his placement with Affinity Flying Training Services at RAF Cranwell, Jack gained hands-on experience working on the Embraer Phenom 100. Over two intensive weeks, he learned foundational engineering skills that would later prove invaluable in his career with Virgin Atlantic.
During his time on the scholarship, Jack developed strong foundational engineering skills, including hands‑on mechanical competency while assisting with an engine change. He learned to work safely and accurately with aircraft documentation such as maintenance manuals, and gained insight into component replacement processes, including managing part and serial number transactions. Jack also built a solid understanding of fundamental aircraft systems and the procedures involved in high‑power engine runs, experience that proved invaluable as he transitioned into commercial aviation engineering.
translating scholarship skills
to commercial aircraft
The most impactful aspect of the programme for Jack was witnessing and participating in his first ever engine change and high-power engine run. Not only did these experiences cement his technical interest, but they also directly prepared him for the work he would later perform on one of the world’s most advanced long-haul fleets.
Since joining Virgin Atlantic, Jack has continued building on the experience gained during his scholarship. He has now completed engine changes on every Rolls Royce Trent engine variant in Virgin Atlantic’s fleet and has participated in high-power engine runs across every aircraft type the airline operates.
“So many tasks I’ve completed at Virgin Atlantic were things I first learned in some form during my Air League scholarship. Even though the aircraft at Virgin are bigger and more complex, having already performed similar tasks on smaller platforms made a huge difference to my confidence.”
Challenges and growth
Like many early career engineers, Jack initially found aircraft systems challenging, particularly understanding how different components interact on the Phenom 100. But daily exposure to real engineering work, paired with knowledgeable mentors, meant that concepts quickly became clearer.
By the end of the programme, Jack was confidently identifying engine parameters and expected performance figures during high power runs, skills that translated directly to his apprenticeship work with large commercial jets.
Today, Jack is in the final year of his Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Apprenticeship, aiming to complete it in December 2026. He is also progressing towards his CAA B1/B2 licences, with ambitions to continue pilot training toward long-term ATPL and Technical Pilot goals.
achievements and
professional development
“Eighteen months ago, the idea of working on the A350 felt surreal. Now I get to do it every day.”
Since completing his scholarship, Jack has achieved a number of milestones that once felt far beyond reach. The most significant was securing his apprenticeship with Virgin Atlantic, working across both London Heathrow and Manchester, an opportunity directly supported by the confidence and practical skills he gained through the scholarship. He now works daily on the Airbus A350‑1000, an aircraft he has admired since childhood, turning a long‑held dream into part of his everyday professional life.
Jack’s development has extended well beyond hands‑on engineering. He has proudly represented Virgin Atlantic at major industry events, including RIAT 2025 and National Apprenticeship Week 2026, showcasing his passion for aviation to wider audiences. Alongside his full‑time role, he continues to progress towards full B‑licence qualification and is actively pursuing pilot training. With long‑term ambitions to become a Technical Pilot or Test Pilot, Jack’s pathway reflects a blend of engineering excellence, operational curiosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Giving back and
supporting others
Jack is deeply motivated to support the next generation of engineers. He contributes to Virgin Atlantic’s Passport to Change initiative and hopes to work with both The Air League and Virgin Atlantic to help launch a future engineering scholarship hosted at Heathrow.
“I will never forget the fantastic experience The Air League offered me. I’d love to help others find their pathway into aviation, just as the scholarship helped me.”
The air league impact
For Jack, The Air League Engineering Scholarship was pivotal, providing the vital hands‑on aircraft engineering experience he had struggled to access elsewhere. It enabled him to build confidence working with technical manuals and documentation, while offering valuable professional insight into the realities of aircraft maintenance. The mentorship he received from experienced technicians and engineers helped him develop both skill and self‑belief, and the practical exposure gained throughout the programme ultimately equipped him with the foundations he needed to secure a highly competitive apprenticeship with Virgin Atlantic.
“Without The Air League Engineering Scholarship, I’m confident I wouldn’t be living in London and working for Virgin Atlantic today.”
Looking ahead
Jack’s future ambitions reflect his determination to continue growing both as an engineer and an aspiring pilot. He aims to complete his CAA B1/B2 licence modules, finish his PPL and progress towards long‑term ATPL training, with the ultimate goal of becoming a Technical or Test Pilot with Virgin Atlantic. The foundation for this progression was shaped by the hands‑on experience he gained with Affinity Flying Training Services, as part of scholarship. The guidance and training he received played a crucial role in preparing him for the technical demands of his apprenticeship.
Alongside his own professional development, Jack hopes to stay involved in outreach programmes and inspire future engineers through the same kind of opportunities that helped him take his first steps into the industry.
The Air League is proud to have supported Jack from early aspirations to a career maintaining one of the world’s most advanced commercial fleets.
