About FSD

A message from Her Majesty Queen Noor of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

"My husband, King Hussein, was a dedicated supporter of these flying scholarships from their very inception. All those who knew him were aware of his passion for flying and the sense of boundless freedom one experiences in the air. As a man whose life traversed so many times of difficulty, he was full of admiration for those who chose to challenge their own physical constraints by soaring above the clouds and enjoying a sense of freedom that so few of us might have the courage to seek."

The Aims of FSD

Flying Scholarships for the Disabled (FSD) is a charity dedicated to helping disabled people to discover their true potential through the mental and physical stimulation of learning to fly a light aircraft. The challenges they face and overcome will enable them to find new confidence and self esteem in rising above their own personal life difficulties and help them view the future with greater self assurance.

Our Heritage

The Royal International Air Tattoo Flying Scholarships for the Disabled is in memory of Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader CBE DSO* DFC*. In 1983 Paul Bowen and Tim Prince, on behalf of the Royal International Air Tattoo, inaugurated Flying Scholarships for the Disabled to perpetuate the indomitable spirit of air ace Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader. After losing both legs in an accident, Sir Douglas persisted in his efforts against all odds to resume his flying career with the Royal Air Force. He went on to achieve fame in World War II as a fighter pilot and gifted leader and pursued his talent for flying into a long and successful civilian career.

Sir Douglas was a dedicated supporter of disabled people to whom he set a great example of courage and determination. He personally devoted much time to encouraging countless people to come to terms with their physical disabilities.

From 1976, until his death in 1982, he was President of The Royal International Air Tattoo and was an inspiration to the many volunteers committed to raising funds for the relief of hardship and distress amongst past and present members of the Royal Air Force and their dependents. Click here to find out "who's who" in FSD.

The Fulfilment of our Aims

Although the primary aim of the scheme is to give disabled people the opportunity to realise their full potential through the pleasure, the thrill and freedom of flying, a few students complete sufficient flying to qualify for a Private Pilots Licence.

Over 300 disabled people have participated in the scholarship scheme, several are paraplegic, and others are disabled as a result, for example,of cerebral palsy, loss of limbs, rheumatoid arthritis, MS, ME, spina bifida and poliomyelitis.

All students who can satisfy their Chief Flying Instructor during a general handling flying test that they have reached an acceptable standard of competence, compatible with the nature of their disability, are awarded the Flying Scholarships for the Disabled badge.