This year, aspiring drone pilots from across the UK took part in The Air League’s 2026 Drone Scholarship programme, gaining valuable skills, industry knowledge and industry-recognised qualifications as they explored opportunities within the rapidly expanding world of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).
Delivered in partnership with Eagle Eye Innovations (EEI), the scholarship provides participants with the opportunity to complete the A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC), an entry-level qualification that helps aspiring remote pilots operate safely, legally and confidently while opening the door to a wide range of opportunities within the drone sector.
Designed to support the next generation of RPAS talent, the scholarship combines technical learning with practical experience, giving participants a valuable introduction to an industry that is transforming sectors ranging from surveying and infrastructure inspection to emergency services and media production.
A few of this year’s scholars shared their reflections on the programme and the impact it has had on their confidence, skills and future ambitions.
"The A2 CofC course with Eagle Eye Innovations was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The training was engaging, practical and genuinely enjoyable, and it gave me far more confidence in both my flying ability and my understanding of safe drone operations. I'm incredibly grateful to Eagle Eye Innovations and The Air League for giving me the opportunity to take part. It's definitely inspired me to keep developing my skills in the drone and aviation sector!"
"Your generosity has given us more than just access to training; it has given us the opportunity to learn, grow, and believe in what we can achieve. Thank you."
"The A2 CofC was a really beneficial course for someone like me who is exploring different pathways during my gap year. The CofC course was easy to understand with a lot of breaks in between, and the instructors explained everything very clearly, which allowed me to get 100% on the tests."
"I really enjoyed the structure of the A2 CofC course, the morning theory sessions were brought to life with the real-world examples from instructors who clearly knew their craft, and the afternoons flying drones were a great hands-on complement. It was a fantastic course for a beginner like me, and it's inspired me to keep progressing on my drone flying journey."
As part of the scholarship, participants completed specialist training covering meteorology, RPAS flight performance and operating principles, alongside practical flying activities. Successful completion of the programme provides scholars with an industry-recognised qualification and a strong foundation from which to continue developing their knowledge and experience.
For many participants, the scholarship serves as a first step into the world of professional drone operations, helping them better understand the career pathways available within this innovative area of aviation.
The Air League is proud to work alongside EEI, one of the UK’s longest-running CAA-approved drone training and consultancy organisations. Since 2013, the company has supported the safe and effective use of drone technology through accredited training, consultancy and operational services, working across sectors including infrastructure, utilities, agriculture, defence and security.
Through its academy, EEI delivers industry-leading training programmes designed to support everyone from hobbyists and aspiring operators to experienced professionals. Their instructors bring extensive operational expertise from both commercial and military drone environments, ensuring scholars benefit from real-world knowledge and practical insight throughout their training.
As a valued Scholarship Partner, EEI plays a vital role in helping The Air League provide meaningful opportunities for young people to gain recognised qualifications and explore the rapidly evolving RPAS sector.
The Air League is committed to making aviation and aerospace more accessible to all. The 2026 Scholarship Programme welcomed participants from a wide range of backgrounds:
These figures reflect our ambition to widen participation across aviation and aerospace, ensuring talented individuals from all backgrounds can access life-changing experiences and career pathways.
The long-term impact of our scholarship programmes continues to be encouraging. A survey of scholars who participated between 2018 and 2025 found that 83% are either working within the aviation industry or pursuing aviation-related education and training, demonstrating the significant role these opportunities play in helping young people progress towards aerospace careers.
We would like to thank the EEI team for once again supporting The Air League’s Drone Scholarship programme and helping to create opportunities for aspiring drone professionals. Their continued commitment enables young people to access high-quality training, gain recognised qualifications and build confidence as they take their first steps into the industry.
The enthusiasm, talent and ambition demonstrated by all scholars throughout this year’s programme has been fantastic to see. Each participant has embraced the opportunity to develop their skills, broaden their understanding of RPAS operations and take an important step towards their future aspirations.
We look forward to continuing our partnership with EEI and supporting even more young people as they discover the exciting possibilities that exist within the world of drone aviation.
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