Wings for Warriors Opens New Training Centre at Gloucestershire Airport

Wings for Warriors, a UK charity dedicated to supporting wounded, injured, and sick armed forces veterans, marked a historic milestone on Thursday with the grand opening of its Veterans’ Flying School at Gloucestershire Airport.

The facility, officially unveiled by HRH The Princess Royal, demonstrates the charity’s long-term commitment to providing veterans with meaningful and sustainable career opportunities in aviation. The day’s proceedings included a tour of the training centre and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

Since 2011, Wings for Warriors has worked tirelessly to support veterans transitioning to civilian life by training them as professional pilots. This initiative has provided many veterans with life-changing opportunities, helping them regain confidence, pride, and purpose after their service. The new training centre aims to expand the charity’s impact, training between six and ten veterans as commercial pilots every 18 months.

“This is a place where those who have refused to surrender to life-changing setbacks will be rewarded with life-changing opportunities,” said Chair of Trustees Mark Radcliffe.

The charity is currently supporting Luke Sinnott, who lost both legs disarming an explosive device in Afghanistan and aims to become the first double amputee commercial pilot since Sir Douglas Bader.

The Veterans’ Flying School offers training at significantly reduced costs—40% of the fees typically charged by commercial flight schools—thanks to generous contributions from supporters like Gloucestershire Airport, CABWI Awarding Body, and The Armed Forces Covenant Trust. Partners such as Padpilot and Private Radar further enhance the training experience by offering in-kind services that lower costs and improve delivery.

The ceremony, attended by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Mr. Edward Gillespie, began with an introduction by Gloucestershire Airport’s Managing Director, Jason Ivey, and Mr. Radcliffe. Her Royal Highness toured the facility, observing a lesson in progress, speaking with instructors and students, and meeting key supporters, trustees, and veterans who have benefited from the programme.

The event concluded with the unveiling of the plaque and a touching moment when The Princess Royal was presented with a posy by Mr. Radcliffe’s young daughters, Molly and Emma.

Halldale Group is a proud charitable partner of Wings for Warriors, who were our guests at EATS 2024. Our collaboration has helped raise awareness and fundraising support for the charity’s mission to empower medically discharged veterans with skills.