BWPA scholarship winner – Meg Cowley
Which BWPA scholarship did you win and what inspired you to apply for it?
I won a BWPA Flying Start Scholarship, which is a financial scholarship for new, inexperienced pilots to gain their first qualifications. I applied because I was inspired by the help that it gives to ladies who are working towards their Private Pilot Licence (PPL). One day, I’d like to be able to sponsor an aspiring lady pilot to help them begin their flying journey.
Where did you complete your scholarship-funded training and what types of lessons or flying experiences did you have?
I used my scholarship to fund my training at ANT Flying School, based at Blackpool Airport. ANT is a family run flying school that has been going since 1947. I volunteer there and I consider the team very good friends. I’ve had lots of different lessons including general handling, stalling and circuits.
What have been your most memorable moments so far?
It is very hard to pick a most memorable moment because I see the whole experience as memorable. Every time I go flying, I see it as a privilege. If I had to choose though, I loved perfecting general handling, taking off and landing (I always found taking off and landing a little scary). The views I get to see whilst up there are also incredible. My instructor taught me some clear lessons: to study often and to learn to have confidence in my abilities. Flying to me is the most amazing thing anyone can do.
How has receiving this scholarship supported your aviation goals or dreams?
I am very grateful for this scholarship because it has helped me to gain the first 10 hours towards my PPL, which in turn has helped me begin working towards my aviation dreams.
What are your next steps in your flying journey?
To complete my PPL and keep working towards my goal of becoming a commercial pilot.
What challenges have you faced along the way, and how have you overcome them?
There is a lot of information to remember and lots of things to learn. It can be overwhelming at times and it has been a huge challenge, but I’ve kept trying and found that these challenges become easier. Never give up.
What does being part of the BWPA community mean to you?
Being part of the BWPA community is special. I get to meet lots of aspiring and already qualified pilots, all from different backgrounds and types of flying.
My regional group meets up for lunches, we go flying together, we visit interesting places and we learn about aviation history, from classic aircraft to modern aviation. It is nice to be able to talk about our experiences and the support I’ve received is amazing. Other members are always there to talk to and I have made some lovely new friends.
I am so glad I found the BWPA and I will always be a member.
Do you have any advice or encouragement for future applicants considering applying for a BWPA scholarship?
Be honest about how you feel and your goals. I didn’t think I would ever win it when I applied, so you never know unless you try. It is an amazing opportunity to keep trying for, as it offers wonderful experiences and you get to make some great friends along the way.
