High-flying Jack, 16, wins top flying scholarship 

By Mollie and Emma, both 17, Jill Dando News

Jack Regan, 16, of Priory Community School Academy in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset is celebrating after winning an excellent flying scholarship with Air League Professionals.

He won through large numbers of follow applicants from across the world to win the scholarship.

The stunning achievement follows a rigorous five-month long application process.

It is the latest stage along the journey of Jack becoming a commercial pilot, with a big dream to be a Senior Captain or Director of a firm such as Virgin Atlantic or Tui Airways.

Speaking to Jill Dando News this week Jack said: “It is something I have always wanted to do and by meeting the minimum age requirements of sixteen, I applied with no hesitation. 

“Myself and many others believe that it’s an incredible opportunity that provides a fantastic opportunity to build hours, network and boost confidence.”

 The company offer a range of alternative scholarships, including drone, engineering and many other bursaries

Jack added: “My dream is to become a commercial pilot, which I plan to begin my training after finishing my A levels which I will be starting in September.”

Jack’s end goal is to be a Senior Captain in a management or director position in a company such as Virgin Atlantic, British Airways or Tui Airways, but is also open to a position in Executive Aviation.

The Air League aims to inspire, enable, and support the next generation of aviation and aerospace professionals from any background across the United Kingdom. 

Over the past decade, scholarships worth over £2 million have been allocated. In 2021, over 90 awards worth over £120,000 were allocated to aspiring individuals throughout the entire UK.