Recipient of 2017 Nick Davidson Memorial Flying Scholarship announced

18-year-old Jack Hawkins has been awarded the Nick Davidson Memorial Flying Scholarship for 2017 in a ceremony at London Biggin Hill Airport.

The scholarship will see Hawkins graduate with a full European Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) after completing a full flight training programme including a 45-hour flying schedule and nine ground subjects.

Training will take place at London’s Biggin Hill Airport, which is supporting the cause for the third time by covering all airport user charges and providing administrative support during the 12 to 18 months it will take Hawkins to complete the course.

Other co-sponsors include Adams Aviation Supply Company, which is providing a hi-tech headset, flight bag and navigation equipment; Shipping & Airlines, which is supporting with services and a cash contribution; and the Surrey & Kent Flying Club, which is providing training at reduced rates.

The scholarship was founded in 2013 in memory of former flight instructor and British Airways Captain, Nick Davidson. Funded by Davidson’s family, the initiative aims to enable a young person between the ages of 18 and 25 to graduate with a European PPL.

Andy Patsalides, marketing manager of London Biggin Hill Airport, explained, “Jack was selected from a pool of 80 other aspiring applicants because of his clear determination and focus to qualify as a professional commercial pilot. We are sure that he has the makings of a good pilot, which is exactly what the scholarship programme intended.”

The scholarship’s first winner, John Harrison, is currently in the final stages of qualifying for his ATPL. 2015’s winner, Steven Inch, is currently training towards a qualification as an RAF fast jet pilot.

Alina Davidson, Nick Davidson’s widow, says: “We are thrilled with the ambitions and achievements of the first few scholarship winners, which fully live up to the concept that my husband Nick planned with such care before he died. I wish to record my thanks to Nick’s great friend Gary Merchant who has so faithfully and successfully created the scheme, which is now a registered charity. Nick would be so proud – and this is why I am very happy to continue, hopefully with our wonderfully supportive co-sponsors.”