More than 450 students have completed the Royal Navy Gliding Award training courses in the past decade since the awards scheme started.
Many have since joined the aviation world.

 
What do the Awards cover ?

  • An 8 day gliding course at 3 locations:
    Lee-on-Solent, Yeovilton, Culdrose.
  • Intensive Training which should lead to solo flight.
  • Food, accomodation and free travel provided.
Who is eligible ?


To apply for a gliding award you must be:

  • Between 16 and 23.
  • Interested in becoming a naval pilot or observer.
  • A British Commonwealth citizen.

Either:

  • in full time education at school, university or college.
  • or a member of CCF (army or RN),
    Sea Cadet Corps.
Further Information
  


Royal Navy Gliding Awards are available each year for young persons between the ages of 16 and 23 who are physically fit for flying duties and who have achieved an appropriate educational standard.

The Awards cover the full cost of a gliding course (about 8 days), food and accomodation in the Officers' Mess at the appropriate Naval Air Station, or Naval Establishment, and all travel costs.
Student taking part in a navigational exercise.


The courses are provided by the Royal Naval Gliding Clubs at Lee-on-Solent, Yeovilton and Culdrose. They are intensive and many students may expect to achieve solo flight before the end of the course.

The aim of the Award Scheme is twofold -

  • to foster interest in Naval Aviation and to provide practical flying experience for those wishing to become involved in aviation, particularly as pilots or observers in the Royal Navy.
  • to provide the participants with an exciting challenge and an activity designed to encourage a sense of responsibility, the motivation to provide leadership qualities, and an opportunity to broaden horizons.

The scheme is sponsored and administered by the Directorate of Naval Recruiting (DNR) and the Fleet Air Arm Officers Association (FAAOA). Funding is provided through the Royal Naval Flying and Gliding Awards Scheme and by the FAAOA Aviation Scholarship Trust.

Aircraft provided by the Fleet Air Arm Squadron

Support is provided by members of the Fleet Air Arm Squadron giving the students the opportunity of flying in powered light aircraft and carrying out navigational and tactical reconaissance exercises.

 
The awards are open to students in full time education at schools, universities and colleges and to members of Combined Cadet Forces (RN and Army Sections), Sea Cadet Corps and certain Nautical Colleges and Schools. Candidates must be between 16 and 23 years of age at the time of selection and be interested in becoming a naval pilot or observer.

The award of a scholarship does not mean that the award-holders will automatically be accepted for flying duties in the Service, nor is the recipient under any obligation to join the Royal Navy. However, participation in the scheme could lead to a worthwhile and rewarding career in aviation or in the aerospace and defence industries.

For further information, please contact:
The Administrator, FAAOA Aviation Scholarship Trust,
4 St.James Square, London. SW1Y 4JU

The Fleet Air Arm Squadron