TAG Farnborough Airport announces winner of Flying Scholarship 2018

TAG Farnborough Airport has announced that 17-year-old Réshé Harrison has been awarded the TAG Flying Scholarship 2018 which provides training towards a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL).

The TAG Flying Scholarship is part of the airport’s “Aviation to Education” programme.  Now in its 11th year, the programme engages schools and colleges within the local area to inform and educate about aviation. Under the auspices of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots’ scholarship programme, TAG Farnborough Airport grants one young person a scholarship with the aim of supporting individuals who might otherwise not have the necessary resources to gain flying experience and ultimately achieve their PPL. Over the past 11 years, scholarship recipients have progressed to a variety of professional roles within the aviation industry such as commercial airline pilot.

Currently studying for a BTEC Extended Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering at Kingston College, this year’s scholarship recipient, Réshé, has overcome the enormous challenge of battling leukaemia as a child to pursue his dream of becoming a fully qualified pilot. The defining moment came for a six year old Réshé - in the midst of his treatment for leukaemia - on a special children’s charity flight to Orlando.  During a conversation with the Captain of the Boeing 747, Réshé explained that one day he wanted to be just like him to which the Captain responded: “Work hard, be the best and one day I hope to see you in the cockpit”.

Before being awarded the scholarship, Réshé completed a competitive application process, underwent various aptitude tests and an interview before final selection.  He has been training at Redhill Aviation Flight Centre working towards his PPL.

On receiving the scholarship, Réshé said: "I would like to thank TAG Farnborough Airport for providing me with such a fantastic and unique opportunity. Since that memorable day when I was just six years old, I have worked towards my ultimate goal of becoming a professional pilot. The support of the Flying Scholarship has provided me with that vital stepping stone to go on to university to study Air Transport with Commercial Pilot Training and has ultimately given me the chance to make my dreams a reality."  

Brandon O’Reilly, CEO TAG Farnborough Airport, said: “I am delighted to award this scholarship to Réshé as he pursues his career in the world of aviation and benefits from the flying experience this scheme offers. We are keen to encourage young people to reach their full potential and are extremely proud to support this through our community engagement."