Y0UNG aviators of the future are being urged to apply for Cotswold Airport’s popular flying scholarships programme.

Former Red arrow pilot Mike Ling visited the flying scholarships programme recently and met some of the class of 2010. He said the initaitive was a great way to help a career in aviation take off.

Flight Lieutenant Ling, who stepped down from the Red Arrows this year, said: "Out of the guys I was in the team with, a fair portion started out on flying scholarship programmes.

"The scholarships are a great way to experience what it is like in the world of aviation and it’s great to see a corporately-funded programme running in conjunction with a charitable organisation."

During his visit to Cotswold Airport Flt Lt Ling met 2010 scholars Mary Witcombe, Harrie Siebenaller, who are both from Stroud, and Barney Rowland from Cherington near Tetbury.

Barney hit the headlines last year after making his first solo flight before he had even passed his driving test.

The programme is funded by Cotswold Airport owner and chief executive Ronan Harvey and run in conjunction with the airport-based charity fly2help and flying organisations on the site.

Airport director Suzannah Harvey said last year had seen a record number of applications but even more were expected this year.

"We’ve already seen how the programme can help change the lives of young people," she said. "The programme is gaining in popularity and we are delighted to be receiving a steady stream of new applications."

Mandy Pantall, of fly2help, added: "The educational wing of fly2help has grown significantly in recent years and we are looking forward to another income of strong candidates."

Organisers are inviting applications from young people in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire with a view to filling the 10 available places on the 2011 scheme. Applicants must be aged from 14-18 During the scholarships, students will be able to experience flight, receive tuition at the airport’s aviation ground school, see at first-hand the work of air traffic controllers, flying instructors and engineers and receive expert guidance from aviation professionals.

Application forms are available at fly2help.org. The closing date for applications is January 31, and interviews for the short-listed candidates will be held in February. The scholarships will run from April 11-21.