Scholar overview
Scholar: Lucy Dakin-Scott
Scholarship awarded: The Air League’s Your Flying Future (2019), 5-Hour (2020) and 7-Hour Flying Scholarships (2021)
Occupation: Cadet Pilot
When Lucy Dakin-Scott applied for her first Air League opportunity in 2019, she had just finished her GCSEs and knew she was interested in aviation. What she didn’t know was exactly where that interest might lead.
Having no family connections to aviation and no previous flying experience, Lucy joined The Air League’s Your Flying Future programme to explore the industry, learn more about potential careers, and determine whether becoming a pilot was the right path for her.
"I was interested in flying but unsure of where to start. I wanted to gain some basic experience, meet new people, and find out whether I really wanted to learn to fly. It turns out that I did!"
Taking the first steps
Alongside beginning an Aviation Operations course at college, Lucy immersed herself in aviation communities, online forums and airport visits, developing her knowledge and passion for the sector.
Through The Air League’s programmes, she not only had the opportunity to fly but also
developed valuable skills that are highly regarded across the aviation industry, including communication, teamwork, time management and listening skills.
Lucy was awarded both a 5-Hour Flying Scholarship in 2020 and a 7-Hour Flying Scholarship in 2021, providing a vital boost as she worked towards achieving her Private Pilot Licence (PPL).
"I worked three different jobs to save for my training, and the scholarships helped me progress more quickly and get over the line."
More than flying hours
For Lucy, the value of The Air League extended far beyond flight training.
By attending networking events and engaging with fellow scholarship recipients, she built relationships and connections that continue to support her journey today.
"It was incredibly valuable to meet new people, learn about their experiences and progress alongside them. I made friends for life through The Air League."
The guidance and industry insight available through The Air League also helped Lucy make informed decisions about her future career.
"When I took part in Your Flying Future, I wasn't well enough informed to make a clear career decision. The programme and scholarships helped guide me in the right direction and showed me what I needed to do to achieve my goals."
building experience
in the industry
While continuing her flight training, Lucy took on a role as Cabin Crew with easyJet, giving her first-hand experience of working in commercial aviation.
The role provided valuable insight into airline operations and helped her better understand the realities of an aviation career.
During this time, Lucy continued flying, building hours with her PPL and pursuing her ambition of entering professional pilot training through the modular route.
"Early mornings, late nights and long shifts make aviation a lifestyle, not just a job. Experiencing that first-hand was important before committing fully to pilot training."
achieving a major milestone
One of the biggest challenges Lucy faced was financing her training. The support she received through The Air League’s Flying Scholarships helped ease that burden and maintain her momentum at a crucial stage of her journey.
Her determination paid off in 2024 when she secured a place on the highly competitive Speedbird Pilot Academy.
Today, Lucy has achieved 13 first-time passes in her ATPL theoretical examinations and is progressing through the flying phase of training. She is on course to join British Airways as a Second Officer.
"I'm proud of how quickly I was able to progress. In 2019 I had no flying experience and very little knowledge of pilot training. By 2021 I had gained my PPL, and in 2024 I was accepted onto a competitive airline cadet programme. It shows what can be achieved through hard work and determination."
Looking to the future
As she continues towards her airline career, Lucy hopes to remain connected with The Air League and support future generations of aspiring aviators.
"I hope to give back to The Air League through volunteering and help ensure the charity can continue supporting people who need inspiration and guidance, just as I did."
advice to future applicants
"Go for it. You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain."
