Mazda announces winners of BAeF Scholarship Scheme

Mazda is pleased to announce the two successful BAeF Scholarship candidates Emily Todd and Ben Thompson as the first beneficiaries of the Mazda sponsored British Aerobatics Foundation (BAeF) Scholarship Scheme.

Candidates were selected from a short list of six talented pilots following an assessment programme flown in a high performance two-seater aircraft. The candidates demonstrated their ability to fly increasingly complex aerobatic manoeuvres under the assessment of experienced aerobatics instructors. The instructors assessed the candidates on above average aircraft handling skills, self-confidence and the ability to concentrate on physically demanding tasks, while under psychological pressure.

Emily and Ben will receive around 50 hour’s free aerobatic flying training from the UK's top aerobatic trainers for each year of a five year programme, and will compete in the Mazda British National Aerobatic Championships at Intermediate level in July at Conington Aerodrome.

Emily Todd, 2008/2009 scholarship winner enthused: “I am thrilled to receive the Mazda BAeF Scholarship. It is a great privilege to be trained by the UK’s top aerobatic trainers and I am looking forward to competing in the Mazda National Championships in July.”

David Cowden, one of the founders of the BAeF, added: "I would like to congratulate Ben and Emily in their recent success as BAeF Scholarship candidates. It has been a great pleasure to assist such talented young pilots with their development in the sport and we look forward to seeing both candidates compete in the Mazda British National Aerobatic Championships in July to battle it out for the National Champion title."