Our Mission

Driven by assets built over time and the generosity of Royal Air Squadron members, the Charity funds an exceptional breadth of aviation activity. This includes trophies and awards for cadets in the UK and overseas; Royal Naval gliding courses; instructor training programmes with the British Gliding Association, British Microlight Aircraft Association and Royal Air Force Sport Aircraft; and dedicated flying scholarships for pilot engineers at the University of Hertfordshire. It also supports the training and development of military sport parachuting teams.

The Charity manages the Sir John Thomson Spirit of Aviation Initiative, working with inner-city schools and the Air Cadet Organisation in Bristol to broaden access to aviation for young people who may not otherwise encounter it. Looking ahead, future plans include support for post-graduate flight handling courses and specialist air-engineering apprentice training.