London Biggin Hill scholar wins British Women Pilots Association award

Laura McCann

London – 12 December 2018 – London Biggin Hill Airport is celebrating the achievement of its flight scholarship student Laura McCann, 25, who has won the Hilda Hewlett Trophy from the British Woman Pilots’ Association.

The Hilda Hewlett trophy is awarded annually to a female British pilot aged between 16 and 25, who has shown initiative and commitment in gaining her Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and who, through her actions and example, is an inspiration to her peer group.

Laura began training for her PPL in June with London Biggin Hill-based EFG School as part of the 2018 Nick Davidson Memorial Flying Scholarships (NDMFS) scheme. She began working at the airport as a Handling Agent earlier this year. For the past three years Laura has also been an RAF Reservist, and has previously won the Beryl Markham Trophy for determination and commitment.

Laura says: “I’d like to send huge thanks to the British Women Pilots’ Association for awarding me the Hilda Hewlett trophy. It’s an honour to have been selected. With the support of these inspirational women behind me, I feel more confident taking the next steps towards my dream of becoming a bush pilot, working in remote areas of Africa, Australia or New Zealand.”

Andy Patsalides, marketing manager, London Biggin Hill Airport adds: “Laura’s determination and skill in achieving her PPL has been exceptional. The aviation industry is in the midst of a pilot shortage, and we are relying onaward-winning young pilots like Laura to serve as an inspiration to potential recruits. We look forward to seeing the next generation of pilots follow in Laura’s footsteps in applying for the NDMFS and other schemes at London Biggin Hill Airport.”

The Nick Davidson Memorial Flying Scholarship was set up following the death of Airbus Captain and local pilot Nick Davidson in 2012, who worked as a flight instructor at London Biggin Hill Airport in the 1990s. The scheme provides two full flying scholarships every year, thanks to the support of Nick’s wife Alina and co-sponsors London Biggin Hill Airport, Shipping & Airlines, Adams Aviation Supply Company, Pooleys Flight Equipment and Falcon Flying Services, which owns the EFG School.