Coachmakers launches Leatherland Flying Scholarship

On Friday 2nd October 2026 a group of distinguished Coachmakers met representatives of the Leatherland Flying Training Trust at Sywell Aerodrome to launch the Coachmakers’ Leatherland Flying Scholarship programme, writes Liveryman Neil Sheath.

The scheme allows the Coachmakers to manage and distribute Leatherland Flying Training Trust scholarship funds to four young people under the age of 30, each year. The purpose of the scholarships is to fund young people to gain their Private Pilot’s Licence for leisure flying activities and support the associated flying clubs and small airfields. The scholarships will be managed using the already excellent tried and tested process that the Coachmakers’ aerospace awards team has developed for managing and distributing our other scholarships.

The agreement was signed by the Trust’s trustees Adrian (Roy) Harby and Helen MacMillan and Past Master Ian Smith, Coachmakers’ Charitable Fund Senior Trustee, and Assistant Roger Woodbridge, Chairman of the Coachmakers’ Charity Committee. The signing was witnessed by Senior Warden Eric Wallbank, Liveryman David Kynaston, Liveryman Jeff Stow, and Liveryman Neil Sheath, along with Aspen the dog who was there to ensure it all went smoothly. In addition to Neil, David, and Jeff, the programme management will be ably assisted by Mark Rogers and Howard Cook, all of whom are liverymen experienced in successfully managing such awards.

It is particularly pleasing to see senior Coachmakers present to offer support and encouragement to the team putting these great programmes together.

The scholarship award is named in honour of Derek Leatherland who in his lifetime was a prolific supporter of light aircraft general aviation, and a successful businessman in the East Midlands area. He was director of a number of businesses including Managing Director of the Tollerton airfield near Nottingham, which he also part owned. This airfield was opened somewhat earlier by Sir Alan Cobham. Derek was a passionate private pilot and trainer and has previously donated a vintage DH82a Tiger Moth to a flying club, along with sufficient funds to maintain the operation of the aircraft. This is the same aircraft type the Coachmakers’ De Havilland Scholarship supports.

The Coachmakers is proud to be supporting Derek Leatherland’s legacy, and these young people in their personal development journeys.

Applications for these Flying Scholarship Awards are now open, information can be found here,