The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation is launching a new scholarship programme in partnership with the Air League, focused on disabled people with a passion for flying. The Stelios Disabled Pilots’ Scholarship is open to either ‘ab initio’ individuals or those with a limited number of hours flying. The scheme will progress the successful applicant to a full fixed wing Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and will commence in the summer of 2019. The selection process includes a ‘taster day’ of flying at Blackbushe airport, for 15 applicants, with Aerobility, one of the Air League’s partner charities.
John Steel QC, chairman of the Air League, commented: “The Air League is delighted to work with an aviation industry icon under an inspiring new programme, that we will deliver for the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation. Innovation, efficiency, inclusiveness and resolve are key attributes of the Air League and our partners Aerobility and the many disabled and disadvantaged people our organisations have supported.”
Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, said: “I have been working with people with disabilities for more than a decade to help them start a business in the UK! I am delighted with this new way of helping disabled people realise another one of their dreams! With this pilot’s scholarship, for them, the sky will be the limit!”
Mike Miller-Smith, CEO of Aerobility added: “Aerobility are extremely grateful to Stelios Philanthropic Foundation for the opportunity to award a PPL Scholarship to one of our disabled community. The chance of achieving a PPL is something that many disabled people feel is beyond their limits and we can now offer them the chance to break down those limitations and realise their dreams. It opens up a whole new world to them from the air and if they can fly, what else can they achieve!”
More information on the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation is available at: www.stelios.org
For press enquiries contact:
Ishpreet Sundal
Communications and Marketing Manager
The Air League
T: 0207 766 3488
E: events@wordpress-811954-2786157.cloudwaysapps.com
Follow us on Twitter: @TheAirLeague
