Ria Patel is smiling and sat in a small white airplane, wearing a white jacket.
Ria Patel is smiling and sat in a small white airplane, wearing a white jacket.

First year air transport management student Ria Patel wins Air League scholarship

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Ria Patel, who is 18 and studying for a BSc in Air Transport Management with Private Pilot Licence at the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism recently began flying lessons, with a scholarship from the Air League for five hours of tuition. The Air League is a UK charity that aims to inspire and support young people looking to pursue careers in aviation.

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Ria said:

Training to be a pilot is expensive and I am from a low-income background,

I can't really pay for commercial pilot training straight away, so my plan is to gain my private pilot’s license and hopefully get a job at an airport and save up money towards it.” 

Even before she applied for university, Ria was looking at scholarships with the Air League Society and British Women pilots.

With help from the Air League, I have now completed seven hours of flying lessons,

I need a total of 45 hours to pass my pilot’s license.” 

Ria was inspired to become a pilot as when she was younger, she used to regularly fly to India.

As I got older, I realised I enjoyed the whole experience of going on a plane,

Also, I used to watch ‘Come Outside’ on CBeebies when I was small. The female pilot and her little dog would fly around in her plane to discover how things were made!” 

Ria adds that while there are many challenges ahead for her in qualifying as a pilot, she will not give up on her dream.

There are times when I think I am not going to make it, but I have come this far, and I can’t give up now!

We are delighted that Ria has been successful in gaining support from the Air League so soon in her studies,”

adds UWL Course Leader Pilot Programmes and Senior Lecturer Aviation Management Kanchana Gamage.

I applaud her determination to succeed and her passion for flying.” 

Aspiring pilots can find out more about training and career opportunities at the Future Pilot Skills Event on Saturday 10 December 2022, being held at the Saint Mary’s Road campus between 10am - 3pm. 

Hosted by FlightPad and UWL, flight training organisations, aviation experts and employers will be on hand to answer questions and talk careers. Attendees will also have a chance to access flight simulators, enter competitions and take part in skills development sessions. Register for free via our Eventbrite page.

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