A COVETED career in aviation could be about to take off for two sixth formers who have completed the island’s first flying scholarship.
James Whitelegg, from Melbourne Street, Douglas, and Jeffrey Williams, from East Lhergy Dhoo Farm, German, have both now completed 10 hours’ flying plus five hours’ theory lessons based on the National Private Pilots’ Licence syllabus.
James, 17, who is an upper sixth form pupil at St Ninian’s High School.
‘The fact that I now have the knowledge of how to fly an aircraft is amazing!’ he said. ‘The ground school lessons really helped clarify some of the practical work. This definitely helped as Tony would usually throw some real curve ball questions during the lessons.
‘The scheme has definitely taught me about myself. I have realised that not knowing something is not a weakness it’s a strength, It allows you to peruse and learn more and become more aware.
‘I loved seeing the island from the sky and the feeling of being in control of the plane was amazing. I really enjoyed the landings but the taking off has to be the best part for me.’
James hopes to complete his A-levels then study aviation design and engineering at university.
He added the Leonardo da Vinci quote ‘for once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return,’ really summed up his experience.
Jeffrey, 17, a lower sixth form pupil at Queen Elizabeth II High School in Peel hopes to join the RAF after completing A-levels. He also said it had been a remarkable experience.
‘Every flight is special and unique in its own way and has definitely made me even more determined to continue flying and go on to obtain a licence,’ he said.
‘I can’t find words to describe how incredible it really is to fly and I will never forget my first ever flight.
‘What I will take away from this scholarship is a much broader understanding of how an aircraft works, why it reacts in the way it does to pilot inputs and the limitations of both the aircraft and pilots.
‘I will also take with me great memories of the fun I had and a great appreciation of the seriousness and the high level of concentration that is needed at all times when at the controls.’
Using an Ikarus C42 light aircraft over the summer and autumn, the students were tutored by Tony Tomlins, chief flying instructor and examiner with Swift Instruction based at Andreas airfield.
Practical content of the course included general handling of a light aircraft, climbing, descending, turning and straight flight as well as take off and landings.
The tuition culminated in a cross-country flight to Scotland, and back, with the student at the controls under instructor supervision.
Paul Adamson from the Association of Manx Pilots added: ‘We tracked the progress of the candidates throughout their lessons. The guys really committed to the experience.
‘We were very pleased to hear that they made great progress in every lesson, although not surprised, as Jeff and James really applied themselves to the tasks and situations put before them.
‘They should both be very proud of themselves.
‘The association feels the scholarship has been a total success and exceeded our expectations in meeting the objectives of the scheme.’
James and Jeff were presented with completion certificates earlier this month.
Mr Adamson added the scholarship had taken the pair through the vital preliminary stages of gaining a full pilots’ licence.
He said the average trainee would fly solo after about 15 hours and achieve a pilots’ licence after about 30 hours’ air time.
The scheme kicked off in February when written applications for the scholarship were invited and a final 10 interviewed, from which James and Jeff were selected.
The scholarship is intended to be a personal development opportunity more than a flying school as such.
In return the candidates would be rewarded with experiences unlike anything they had done before with the objective of building essential life skills.
The search will begin island-wide in February for the 2012 flying scholarship candidates.
To continue the programme the association is appealing for private or corporate sponsors to discuss part or whole funding for the scholarship in 2013.