The first three young people to take part in The Prince’s Trust Flying Scholarship have completed their training with L3Harris Technologies.
The Flying Scholarship, created by L3Harris and The Prince’s Trust as part of the RAF 100 Legacy, aims to increase diversity within the aviation industry and help more people to achieve their dream of becoming a pilot.
The first students, all from Northern Ireland, undertook streamlined training over the course of three weekends in September and October at the L3Harris Airline Academy in Bournemouth.
Shanyn Smyth, a scholarship pupil, said, “I always wanted to be a pilot, so I jumped on this opportunity. I gained lot of confidence. Before we came here I was learning to drive. And now that I’ve flown a plane, I feel it will be much easier. Confidence has definitely been a big thing.”
Another pupil, Frank Bozo, said, “The training from the first day was really exciting, and our first experience on an aircraft was truly amazing. The thrill of flying really lived up to my imagination.”
Morgan Pettigrew: “The training has given us self-confidence and skills that we can now take into our future careers. The instructors were very thorough and patient.
“Beforehand, I had a fear of flying. But now, I genuinely cannot wait to get back in the air. I definitely would like to continue pursuing the career of being a pilot. I loved the feeling of being in the air.”
Mark Dougan, NI Director, The Prince’s Trust said, “The idea for this scholarship came from conversations The Lord Lieutenant of Belfast Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle CBE had with L3Harris UK executives and the RAF about ways to make aviation more accessible to young people.
“We are delighted that Morgan, Frank and Shanyn have enjoyed this once in a lifetime experience, which has helped to develop their skills and confidence. Everyone at The Prince’s Trust wishes them all the very best with their future careers.”
