Inspired by an incredible story of a disabled flying scholarship, a small group of BA pilots reached out to their colleagues to try and fund their own scholarship. A charity was born, HighFlight.
Over the course of 27 years, HighFlight have sponsored 50 people to learn to fly. This year, the charity is relaunching to help even more disadvantaged people achieve their potential.
We invited former HighFlight scholar, Alvin, to fly a Boeing 787 simulator and to tell the story of how the charity changed his life
HighFlight gives access and opportunity to aviation for people whose situation or circumstance wouldn’t otherwise allow it.
Through flying experiences, past scholars have built up their independence, self-belief, and pride. As Alvin says, it really does make a difference to people’s lives.
“HighFlight is a great opportunity, for us pilots, to share our passion with those who could only imagine what it’s like to fly,” said Mark Hull, B787 Training Captain and HighFlight Trustee.
“Whether it’s a flying experience or a flying scholarship, HighFlight gives those who are disabled and those who are underrepresented in society an opportunity to do what most of us just take for granted. But, I guess, what most of them could only imagine would be possible.”
Our mission is to inspire disabled adults, building their confidence, self-esteem and future aspirations through the sharing of life changing aviation experiences.
The Kent Gliding Centre makes gliding available to as many people as possible. Contact us to find out how you can enjoy the excitement and beauty of silent flight.
fly2help is a charity dedicated to changing lives using the power and wonder of flight.
Air Smiles Experiences are days of respite for families going through difficult life experiences, a chance to take to the skies in a light aircraft and make incredible memories together.
Changing young lives
We believe that every young person, no matter their starting point, should leave school equipped with the confidence, resilience and self-belief to succeed.
Our long-term programmes build teamwork and leadership skills and aspirations, and provide access to extraordinary workplaces, dynamic STEM environments and professional role models who inspire young people to think differently about their futures.