Building a Resilient Mindset

Rejection isn’t a stranger; I’ve grown accustomed to it. Initially, sadness and disappointment hit, followed by self-doubt. Can I really be a pilot? Do I have the aptitude to be one? After being rejected for a scholarship, I used to dwell on what I could've, should've, or would've done differently in my applications.

But let’s be realistic: I can't change the past. What I can do is reflect and adapt for the future. Now, I focus on evaluating my performance and seeking feedback to improve, aiming to secure a flying scholarship eventually.

Flying scholarships usually have many requirements, including time constraints. Sponsors may require scholars to complete their Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) within a specific timeframe or commit to an integrated training course if applying for a cadetship. Knowing this, I chose to wait until my final year of university to apply for scholarships due to my intense course. Having graduated two years ago, I have applied for 11 flying scholarships, with 10 being rejected.

It’s easy to give up, but I hope this blog post encourages at least one person to keep going. I'll share how I developed a resilient mindset while being proactive, and how it led me to successfully gain a 45-hour PPL scholarship from Fantasy Wings.

Embracing Rejections

“Don’t be embarrassed by your failures. Learn from them and start all over again.” - Richard Branson

Behind every success is failure. Embracing failure has taught me that it's okay to fail; it's proof that I’m actively trying and learning from each setback. It’s not about how many times I fall, but how many times I get back up.

Each failure offers me a chance to reflect on what went well and what I need to improve. When faced with rejection, I seek feedback whenever possible.

By identifying my strengths and weaknesses and applying these lessons to my next application, I can improve as an applicant for future scholarships.

Comparison is the Thief of Joy

Try to avoid comparing your journey to someone else’s – we all know comparison is the thief of joy. However, I find value in what I like to call "healthy" comparisons. I reflect on my current self and think about where I want my future self to be.

I ask myself questions like: Am I better than I was yesterday? What can I do today to get closer to my goal of becoming a pilot? It's about striving to be the best possible version of ourselves.

To achieve this, I set both short-term and long-term goals. Each day, I try to complete small, actionable steps that move me closer to my dream. Whether it be reading an article, or for example writing this blog post. It may be watching a YouTube video on PPL theory.

When it comes to learning, there is no limit and by being more knowledgeable, I am preparing myself not only for future scholarships but also preparing for the moment when I start my pilot training and eventually become a pilot.

Being Proactive

Some people see the cost of flying and think, "That's impossible; there's no way I can afford that." This was exactly my reaction when I realised the cost of flight training. While the financial barrier is faced by many, there are ways to be proactive in preparing for scholarships.

Being proactive can take many forms, and there's no single right or wrong way to do it. However, I believe my proactive approach played a big part in my success. By sharing my tips, I hope to help someone else on their journey to gaining a scholarship.

Networking

"Opportunities don't float like clouds in the sky. They're attached to people." – Tim Sanders

Networking helps you connect with people, discover new opportunities, and grow both personally and professionally. When seeking ways to make your pilot training more affordable (or even free) networking can make this pursuit easier.

First, create a LinkedIn account! LinkedIn has been incredibly beneficial for me. Connecting with industry professionals who have walked the path I'm on is such a blessing. Whether it's other pilots with diverse career paths or fellow aspiring pilots at similar stages, LinkedIn offers a wealth of connections, and with connections come opportunities!

Seeking mentorship is also important. Engaging with experienced pilots and industry professionals can provide valuable insights and guidance. Consider reaching out to pilots who have trained at a flying school you're interested in. Simply ask if they have time for a conversation where they can give their advice - it never hurts to ask. This proactive approach can help you navigate challenges and stay focused on your goals.

LinkedIn offers another perk: it's a hub where aviation-related events are shared. You can discover in-person events like Pilot Careers Live or at FlightPad, where you can network with others in aviation. There are also webinars, such as those hosted by Wings Alliance, covering topics from theoretical exams to various flight training routes. Research these opportunities to find ones that align with you.

Staying Current

You can stay current in the aviation industry by watching YouTube videos, reading blog posts from aviation news sites or by following reports from organizations like the AAIB (Air Accidents Investigation Branch). These sources provide updates on trends, regulations, safety protocols, and technological advancements.

Being well-informed about safety procedures and efficiency practices, may ensure smoother transition to becoming a pilot as you become equipped with essential industry knowledge. It also instils confidence in your ability to navigate the dynamic aviation industry.

Explore volunteering and engagement opportunities with various organisations in the UK that cater to different aspects of aviation. It's essential to research these organizations to find the right fit for your journey. Examples are:

• Fantasy Wings

• The Honourable Company of Air Pilots

• The Air League

• British Women Pilots' Association

• ElevateHer

• Air Cadets

• British Gliding Association

Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail

It's a simple saying, but it holds true: once you've set your sights on a goal in life, it's all about planning, preparing, and giving it your best. If things don't go as planned, at least you'll know you've done everything possible to succeed. Personally, I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. My journey through failed scholarship applications prepared me better for successfully applying for the PPL scholarship.

This post is just a glimpse into what has worked for me on my scholarship journey. I hope this encourages you to keep pushing forward. Remember to embrace your failures, learn from them, and bounce back up even higher. You’ve got this!

All the best, and hopefully, I'll see you in the skies!