Hey future aviators! Dreaming of soaring through the skies, perfecting your paragliding skills, or even building your own drone? Well, get ready because the Royal Aero Club Trust Bursary for 2026 is here to help make those dreams take flight!
This incredible bursary program, proudly part of the ‘Flying for Youth’ initiative by the Royal Aero Club Trust, offers vital financial support for young people passionate about aviation. If you’re aged between 14 and 21 and have a burning desire to explore the world of air sports, this bursary could be your ticket! Whether it’s gliding, microlighting, helicopter flying, or even designing model aeroplanes and drones, this funding is designed to give you that crucial boost to pursue your aviation-related activities and advance your skills.
Who Can Apply?
Alright, let’s get down to who can grab this awesome opportunity! If you’re between **14 and 21 years old** and absolutely passionate about anything aviation-related, you’re on the right track!
The key thing is that you need to be **affiliated with one of the Royal Aero Club Trust’s associate organisations** in the United Kingdom. Think of these as your aviation clubs or associations. Plus, one of these awesome member associations will need to ‘sponsor’ your application – essentially giving you their stamp of approval. So, make sure you’re connected to one of them!
Here’s a list of some of the associate organisations:
- British Aerobatic Association
- British Balloon & Airship Club
- British Gliding Association
- Formula Air Racing Association
- British Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association
- British Microlight Aircraft Association (including British First Person View Racing Association)
- British Model Flying Association (to include Drone flying)
- British Skydiving Association
- British Precision Pilots Association
- Helicopter Club of Great Britain
- Light Aircraft Association
- Royal Aero Club Records, Racing & Rally Association
What Does It Cover?
Let’s talk money! These bursaries are valued between **£500 and £1,000**, depending on what amazing aviation pursuit you’re planning. That’s a fantastic boost to help you achieve your goals!
And guess what? This bursary covers a super wide range of air sports and activities! We’re talking:
- Paragliding, Gliding, Hang-gliding, and Parachuting
- Microlight Aircraft, Helicopter, Ballooning, and Light Powered Aircraft
- Designing, building, and flying Model Aeroplanes (yes, including Drones!)
The scheme is divided into four cool categories to make sure there’s something for everyone:
- **Flying Bursaries/Grants:** Perfect if you want to advance from one recognised level of air sport to the next, or upgrade your existing qualifications.
- **Flight Simulator Bursaries/Grants:** For all you computer flight simulation enthusiasts looking to get some real-world flying experience!
- **Advanced Bursaries:** For qualified air sports individuals who want to enter national/international competitions, prestigious events, or get higher qualifications like becoming an instructor.
Also, big shout-out to all aspiring balloon pilots! The Royal Aero Club Trust is especially keen to hear from balloon enthusiasts for the 2026 programme, as they didn’t receive any applications from them in 2025. This could be your moment to shine!
How to Apply?
Ready to apply? Awesome! Here’s what you need to know:
- The application window **opens on 01 November 2025**.
- The deadline to get your application in is **31 December 2025**. Don’t miss this!
To apply and get all the details, head over to the official Royal Aero Club Trust website:
Apply for the Royal Aero Club Trust Bursary 2026 Here!
Remember to make sure your sponsoring association signs your application form!
So, if you’re between 14 and 21, have an aviation dream, and are affiliated with one of the Royal Aero Club Trust’s awesome associate organisations in the UK, don’t let this opportunity fly by! Get your application ready, and remember to explore more amazing opportunities right here on Bursaries Room to keep your future funded!
