Staverton, UK – Wings4Warriors, a UK military charity, has launched a dedicated flight training centre for veterans at Gloucestershire Airport. The Veterans’ Flying School was officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal on 16 January 2025 and will train veterans as professional pilots on a not-for-profit basis.

The ceremony, also 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 Mark Radcliffe, Founder of Wings for Warriors. 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.

Wings4Warriors was founded in 2012 after founder Mark Radcliffe, then a flight instructor, met an amputee Royal Marine with dreams of becoming a commercial pilot. Since then, the charity has supported more than 30 veterans into aviation careers, including former Royal Engineer Sam Taylor, severely injured in Afghanistan, and now flying for a major UK airline.

“Having our own charitable training school is a game changer. It allows us to significantly reduce the financial burden of commercial pilot training, with fees around 40% of the standard cost. This makes us an excellent prospect for airlines seeking to partner with an innovative cadet programme as an intelligent solution to their recruitment needs. We also have support from leading industry training partners, including Padpilot and Private Radar, so we’re able to deliver a learning experience which is second to none. The net result is a newly qualified First Officer who brings real-world experience, and a work ethic rarely found elsewhere,” said Mark Radcliffe.

The Veterans’ Flying School is an Approved Training Organisation (ATO), offering veterans a pathway to training as airline pilots pro bono. This has been made possible by the generous support of key stakeholders including the CABWI Awarding Body, Armed Forces Covenant Trust and Veterans’ Foundation. The school aims to train 6-10 veterans every 18 months.

“It’s the least we can do for those who’ve given so much for our freedom. Nothing brings the Padpilot team greater joy than to be able to support these incredible people into the air through the VFS,” said Nathan Gray, CEO of Padpilot and former Royal Navy Commander.

“We are incredibly proud to be home to the Veterans’ Flying School and we look forward to seeing these individuals soar in their new endeavours,” said Jason Ivey, Managing Director, Gloucestershire Airport

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.

About Wings 4 Warriors
Wings4Warriors is a UK registered charity (no. 1148093) that provides wounded, injured, or sick service men and women with a future worth fighting for by training them as professional pilots. W4W offers a range of programs designed to address the physical, psychological, and economic needs of veterans and their families.

About Private Radar
Private Radar flight school management software serves over a hundred flight schools and aero clubs in more than 30 countries, helping them manage operations and enhance safety protocols.

About Padpilot
Padpilot creates digital teaching and learning resources for pilot training. Their digital courseware enables training providers to deliver comprehensive, engaging ground school for student pilots during the theoretical knowledge phase of training. 

About Gloucestershire Airport
Gloucestershire Airport is a thriving general aviation airport and offers a range of services including flight training, aircraft maintenance, and business charter. The airport is committed to supporting the local community and promoting aviation as a career path.

Source: Wings4Warriors
Photo Credit: Wings4Warriors