The Stelios Disabled Pilots' Scholarship 2019 winner is announced

The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, in partnership with the Air League, has officially chosen James Washington as the winner of its first ever scholarship for disabled pilots. The Stelios Disabled Pilots’ Scholarship is designed to enable those with a disability the chance to achieve their full Private Pilot Licence (PPL) during 2019. Aerobility, a partner charity of the Air League, will be delivering the scholarship this summer.  

James’ interest in flying stemmed from a trial flight with Aerobility, where he recently began volunteering at the reception. He is keen on making a difference in other people’s lives and hopes to do this with his flying and other interests. Currently, James is a Grade 1 wheelchair basketball coach and has volunteering experience in the art department of Treloar School and College of Disabled Young People. 

On winning the scholarship, James said: “I am honoured and delighted to have been chosen as the winner of the Stelios Disabled Pilots’ PPL Scholarship. The scholarship means I will be able to achieve something that I never dreamt would be possible. I hope to be able to encourage and inspire others with disabilities through my journey to take to the skies, and maybe even go onto instructing myself in the future!” 

Mike Miller-Smith MBE, CEO of Aerobility added: “Aerobility is pleased to partner with the Air League and the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation to deliver this PPL scholarship to a very deserving individual. 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!”