Thanks to the generous support of Boeing, five aspiring young aviators took a major step towards their aviation ambitions this summer through The Air League’s Gliding to Solo Scholarship programme.
Delivered at the London Gliding Club, the programme provided scholars with the opportunity to develop their flying skills, build confidence in the cockpit, and experience the unique challenge and reward of gliding. For many, it marked the beginning of a journey towards careers as pilots, engineers and future leaders within aviation.
This year’s Gliding to Solo scholars, Alice-Mae Downs, Vaasvi Agrawal, William Simons, Kamil Jazwinski and Aashish Dubay, each brought their own unique experiences and ambitions to the programme, but all shared the same passion for aviation and determination to pursue a future in the industry.
opening doors to opportunity
The scholarship programme continues to play an important role in helping talented young people access opportunities that can often seem out of reach.
2026 scholarship programme statistics:
- 25% of scholars were female, compared with an industry average of around 6% for pilots.
- One in three scholars came from an ethnic or minority background.
- 53% were under the age of 18, with a further 41% aged 18-24.
"Scholarships like Gliding to Solo do more than teach people to fly. They build confidence, provide access, and help young people take their first steps towards aviation careers."
Even more encouraging is the long-term impact of these opportunities. A survey of Air League scholars from 2018-2025 found that 83% are either working within the aviation industry or pursuing aviation-related studies.
inspired by flight
For many scholars, a fascination with aviation began long before they stepped into a glider.
For Aashish Dubay, it started with a childhood flight on a Boeing 737. What began as wonder quickly grew into a clear ambition to become a commercial airline pilot. Despite facing questions from others about whether aviation was a realistic career path, he remained determined. Receiving the scholarship has strengthened both his confidence and belief in what is possible.
"To have my first formal flight training experience supported by the organisation whose aircraft inspired my passion is something I will forever be grateful for."
The scholarship will provide Aashish with the opportunity to develop the skills, discipline and judgement that form the foundations of every pilot’s training.
going above and beyond
For Vaasvi Agrawal, aviation is about continuous learning and taking every opportunity available.
Alongside studying Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Geography, she has immersed herself in the industry through work experience, attending aerospace lectures and leading her school’s aviation society. She sees the scholarship as a chance not only to gain practical flying experience, but also to connect with fellow aspiring aviation professionals.
"This scholarship motivates me to work even harder and reinforces my commitment to achieving my goals."
Her ambition and willingness to seek out opportunities demonstrate the proactive mindset that will help shape the future of aviation.
engineering knowledge meets flying ambition
Kamil Jazwinski has always been fascinated by both flight and engineering. Having secured an Engineering Degree Apprenticeship with Rolls-Royce, he hopes to build a career developing cutting-edge aviation technology while continuing his own flying journey.
The scholarship provides a unique opportunity to experience flight
first-hand and gain a deeper understanding of the principles he has spent years studying.
"Now, with the opportunity to fly a glider and even go solo in one, there is nothing stopping me from learning the physics of flight in person."
Kamil hopes to combine engineering expertise with practical flying experience throughout his career, reflecting the increasingly interconnected nature of modern aviation.
turning a dream into reality
For William Simons, the scholarship marks the next step in a passion that has grown through his school’s cadet force.
Now the most senior cadet at his school, William has already demonstrated leadership by running a flight simulator club and helping younger students develop their understanding of aviation. The opportunity to work towards solo flight this summer was a milestone he had dreamed about since his first experience flight.
"The chance to learn in a gliding environment and work towards solo flight is especially exciting as this is a moment I have been dreaming of."
The experience will provide valuable practical skills as he continues working towards a future career as a commercial pilot.
A lifelong passion for aviation
Growing up in a Royal Air Force family, Alice-Mae Downs has been surrounded by aviation for as long as she can remember.
The scholarship offers her an invaluable opportunity to gain practical flying experience, develop core pilot skills and build confidence as she progresses towards her ambition of becoming an airline pilot.
For Alice-Mae, the programme represents not only a chance to fly, but also an important foundation for her future career.
"Your support has brought me one step closer to my ambition, and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity."
building the next generation
Each of this year’s scholars comes from a different background and has taken a different path into aviation. Yet they share common qualities of curiosity, resilience, determination and a desire to learn.
Whether they go on to become pilots, engineers, innovators or industry leaders, the experiences gained through the Gliding to Solo Scholarship will help shape their journey.
“At Boeing, we are committed to helping inspire and support the next generation. By opening doors to practical experience and building confidence, the Gliding to Solo Scholarship gives young people the opportunity to take their first steps towards a future in aviation. We are proud to support these talented scholars and look forward to seeing where their experiences take them.”
A PARTNERSHIP BUILDING AVIATION FUTURES
The Air League is incredibly grateful to Boeing for its continued support over the past 14 years of the Gliding to Solo Scholarship programme.
Through this partnership, aspiring aviators are given access to life-changing opportunities that help inspire, enable and connect the next generation of aviation professionals.
We look forward to following the journeys of Alice-Mae, Vaasvi, William, Kamil and Aashish as they continue pursuing their ambitions and helping shape the future of aviation.
