Scholar overview
Scholar: Sammy Venables
Scholarship awarded: The Air League’s Gliding Bursary, delivered through the London Gliding Club
Occupation: Second Officer
Sammy Venables received a Gliding Bursary through The Air League at a pivotal point in his aviation journey. Already involved in gliding through the Air Cadets, Sammy was keen to explore the next stage of flying and transition from gliders to powered aircraft.
The bursary provided the ideal opportunity to do just that. Training on a motor glider introduced him to powered flight while allowing him to build on the skills and confidence he had already developed through gliding.
"I wanted to transition from gliding to powered flight. Learning to fly the motor glider solo was the perfect way to transition, and I flew solo within two hours."
a memorable achievement
For Sammy, one of the most memorable aspects of the scholarship was experiencing the differences between gliding and powered aviation for the first time.
The highlight came when he achieved his solo flight after only a few hours of training.
"Going solo in just a few hours was an incredible experience."
This milestone reinforced his passion for flying and gave him the confidence to pursue a professional aviation career.
Building a career in aviation
The scholarship played an important role in shaping Sammy’s ambitions and helping him take the next steps toward becoming a commercial pilot.
After the bursary, he worked in aviation operations while studying for his Private Pilot Licence (PPL), balancing employment and flight training. Once qualified, he was invited to become a tug pilot, allowing him to build valuable flying hours.
His aviation career then progressed when he joined easyJet’s Network Control team as an Operations Officer. The airline supported his ambitions by allowing him to take unpaid leave to complete his ATPL theoretical training at Leading Edge Aviation. Sammy then returned to work while completing his CPL/IR training at Stapleford Flight Centre, before taking further leave to complete his APS-MCC course.
A few months later, easyJet began recruiting modular-trained pilots. Sammy successfully secured a position and is now flying as a Second Officer based at London Luton Airport.
Overcoming challenges
Sammy’s journey was not without setbacks. Early in his career, he applied twice to a well-known integrated pilot training programme and was unsuccessful on both occasions.
Rather than giving up, he explored alternative routes into commercial aviation and continued working towards his goal.
"I was rejected from CTC twice. Seeing all my friends get in and not me was difficult to deal with. But in the end it was a blessing in disguise. It saved a lot of money and gave me far more memories and experiences along the way."
Today, Sammy holds a frozen Air Transport Pilot Licence (fATPL) and is flying professionally.
giving back
Having benefited from scholarship support himself, Sammy is passionate about helping others begin their aviation journeys.
"I was grateful that my application was successful and helped pave a path towards a career as a pilot."
He regularly offers advice to aspiring pilots, helping them understand the different routes available into the aviation industry regardless of financial background.
"I'm more than happy to share my experiences and explain the different paths available to becoming a pilot."
Looking ahead
Sammy’s future ambitions include progressing to Captain, becoming involved in recruitment, and working towards qualifications as a Type Rating Instructor (TRI) and Type Rating Examiner (TRE).
advice to future applicants
"Apply. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. If you're not successful, reapply again and again. Your determination will show."
Sammy’s story demonstrates how determination, resilience and making the most of every opportunity can lead to a successful career in aviation. From a Gliding Bursary at the London Gliding Club to the flight deck of a commercial airliner, his journey is proof that there is more than one route to achieving your dreams.
