SILKE'S STORY – OUR 2025 GLIDING SCHOLAR WITH SKY-HIGH AMBITIONS

This summer, one remarkable young pilot has been soaring to new heights. Silke, a passionate glider pilot from Berkshire, was selected for a 2025 gliding scholarship through The Air League, proudly donated by The Flyer Watch Company. Her journey from childhood fascination to solo flying is not only inspiring — it’s proof that access and opportunity can help dreams take flight.

Silke’s love for aviation began when she was just eight years old.“I managed to land a commercial plane in a simulator and became interested in becoming a pilot,” she recalls. “I was also fascinated by the pilots I saw when travelling with my parents.”

By fourteen, Silke had taken her first real step into the world of aviation by starting gliding lessons. She wanted to build her flying skills from the ground up and learn the importance of procedures and safety. Since then, she’s made incredible progress — now flying solo and working steadily towards her Bronze certificate and Sailplane Licence.

This year, Silke applied for a gliding scholarship through The Air League.“I thought it was worth the chance,” she said. “The Air League really focuses on giving more opportunities to young people. It also allowed me to keep flying this season and save money for my future towards commercial flying.”

Receiving the scholarship was a moment of real excitement.“I was absolutely thrilled,” she said. “And surprised — they’re very competitive scholarships. But it shows that it’s always worth applying.”

Her first glider flight left a lasting impression.“I was completely captivated. There was no sound from the cockpit — just the peace and the view. I was able to see the world from a different perspective and admire the scenery from above.”

A typical day on the scholarship involved inspecting the aircraft, towing gliders to the launch point, and then alternating between check flights and solo flying. Silke spent each day building her skills and clocking up valuable solo experience towards her Bronze certificate.

But the road hasn’t been without challenges.“Landings were definitely the hardest part,” Silke admits. “I had to learn how to round out and flare smoothly, aim accurately, and adapt to changing conditions. What helped the most was regular flying and learning from my instructor’s experience. His feedback was invaluable.”

As for her favourite moment?“It has to be experiencing a loop in a glider — feeling the G-force and seeing everything upside-down. I’d love to learn more aerobatics in the future. But my first solo flight also stands out. Having that responsibility and freedom in the cockpit was such a big moment.”

The scholarship has already opened major doors.“It’s made my ambitions feel much more achievable,” she said. “I’ve gained my cross-country navigation certificate and I’m close to completing my Sailplane Licence — all thanks to the extra training and support the scholarship provided.”

Silke is clear about the importance of sponsorships like this:“Without support from organisations like The Flyer Watch Company, many aspiring pilots would never have the chance to experience aviation or develop their flying skills. It makes aviation accessible and inspires future generations.”

To anyone thinking of applying, her message is simple:“Go for it. Even if you think it’s a long shot — you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Let your passion for aviation shine through in your application.”

As for what’s next?“My immediate goal is to complete my Bronze certificate and convert to single-seater gliders. I’m also aiming to begin commercial pilot training — and eventually, I hope to mentor others starting out on their aviation journeys.”

At The Flyer Watch Company, we believe in giving back to aviation through partnerships with The Air League and creating opportunities for the next generation of pilots. Supporting young aviators like Silke is what drives our mission — and we couldn’t be prouder of what she’s achieved.

Helping Dreams Take Flight isn’t just our motto. It’s what we do.