Hey future aviators and air sport enthusiasts! Ever dreamt of soaring through the skies, mastering a paraglider, flying a microlight, or even building your own drone? Well, buckle up because the Royal Aero Club Trust Bursary for 2026 is here to help make those dreams a reality!
This awesome bursary program, part of their ‘Flying for Youth’ initiative, is designed to support young people in the UK passionate about aviation and air sports. If you’re aged 14-21 and have a desire to explore the world of flight, this could be your golden ticket!
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Royal Aero Club Trust Bursary, you need to be between 14 and 21 years old. But here’s the super important bit: you MUST be affiliated with one of the Royal Aero Club Trust’s associate organizations. Think of it like a club membership requirement!
These organizations will act as your ‘sponsor’ by signing your bursary application. So, make sure you’re connected to one of these:
- 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
Basically, if you’re active in one of these amazing air sports and part of their community, you’re on the right track!
What Does It Cover?
This bursary is all about fueling your aviation passions! It offers between £500 and £1,000 to help you pursue various aviation-related activities. We’re talking everything from paragliding, gliding, hang-gliding, and parachuting to microlight aircraft, helicopter, ballooning, and even designing, building, and flying model aeroplanes (yes, including drones!).
The bursaries are split into four cool categories:
- Flying Bursaries/Grants: Perfect if you want to level up your air sport skills or upgrade your existing qualifications.
- Flight Simulator Bursaries/Grants: For those computer flight simulation wizards who want to get some real-world flying experience.
- Aeromodelling and Drone Bursaries: If you’re into model planes or drones, this can help you upgrade your equipment or get further qualifications.
- Advanced Bursaries: For qualified air sport individuals looking to compete nationally or internationally, or advance their qualifications (like becoming an instructor!).
They’re particularly keen to hear from balloon enthusiasts for the 2026 program, so if that’s you, definitely consider applying!
How to Apply?
Ready to take flight? The application window for the 2026 Royal Aero Club Trust bursary scheme opens on **01 November 2025** and closes on **31 December 2025**. You’ll need to work with your sponsoring association, as they’ll sign your application.
Head over to the official Royal Aero Club Trust website for all the details and to get your application started:
Apply for the Royal Aero Club Trust Bursary Here!
If this sounds like the perfect bursary to launch your aviation dreams, don’t miss out! Get your application ready, reach out to your sponsoring association, and prepare for takeoff. Good luck, and keep exploring more incredible bursary opportunities on Bursaries Room!
