Armstrong/Isaacs Bursary
Winners of 2026 Bursaries below.
Five bursaries of up to £1,500 are offered every year to support young pilots already in PPL training.
To qualify for these bursaries you must be under 30, are required to already have reached ‘first solo’ standard, have completed a minimum of five hours solo training and have gained the necessary medical and ground qualifications to continue your training.​
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Rose Solley
(above - left)
A flight in my Grandfathers Jodel D117 was where it all began for me. I was lucky enough to have that first trial experience of flying when I was 12, followed by my first lesson when I passed my GSCE at 15. Because I loved my initial experience so much I was determined to find a way to fulfil my dream of being a pilot. Knowing that gaining my PPL would be a costly challenge I knew it was going to take a long time to complete. Coming from a farming background and enjoying working with livestock, I was able to get a job at our neighbouring dairy farm. This gave me flexibility with working hours and also the finance I needed to fund my PPL, the journey so far has taken 5 long years and the LAA Armstrong Isaacs bursary will enable me to complete the challenge I set myself of becoming a female Pilot.​
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Iain Kirkham
(above - right)
I began my passion for flying at a young age, taking every opportunity to fly with my dad in his Escapade and more recently his Sling 2 taildragger. At first, I found flying an aircraft to be both intimidating and exciting but also rewarding as well as giving a sense of freedom and this motivated me to obtain my PPL. During the holidays whilst studying for an Engineering degree, I decided to start my PPL training in a Sonaca S200 at Blackbushe airport. I am now aiming to complete my solo x-country which has been delayed over the past two months due to bad weather and thanks to the LAA bursary I hope to complete my PPL training in the next few months. After my PPL I intend to become a member of the LAA and do a taildragger conversion course so that I can fly the Sling 2 taildragger and go touring in an aircraft that I helped my dad to build. I would like to thank the LAA and am very grateful for the opportunity the LAA has given me enabling me to pursue my passion and love of flying.
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Kate Lee
(below - left)
I am an Aerospace engineering graduate and have just started my PhD looking in to sustainable aviation solutions. I am passionate about combining my interests in sustainability and aviation and am focussing my current work on some of the challenges associated with developing hydrogen gas turbine engines for planes.
I was fortunate to start working towards my PPL whilst completing an internship at Kemble airport. I love the feeling of freedom of being in the air, and find it very motivational for my work, as it’s a feeling I believe as many people as possible should be able to experience. The bursary should ensure I’m able to complete my PPL course this year before my theory tests expire! I’m very grateful to the LAA Armstrong/Isaacs Bursary for this support in realising my goal of completing my PPL.
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Armstrong/Isaacs bursaries are funded from the Armstrong/Isaacs Fund, which is based on a major donation from David Armstrong, who was a founder member of the original ULAA in 1947, a lifelong member of the LAA’s predecessor the PFA and the latter’s chairman from 1960 to 1964. His legacy, co-named with that of aircraft designer and builder John Isaacs, has, since 1998 enabled many young prospective pilots to gain their PPL.​​