Aviation enthusiast honoured by Scouts for inspiring generations for 20 years

An aviation mentor from Swindon has been honoured by Scouts for inspiring generations of young people to pursue their dreams of taking to the skies for more than 20 years.

Les Clark, of the Vale of White Horse Gliding Centre, was honoured by his local Scouts group for more than two decades of volunteer service supporting youth aviation activities.

What became invaluable support from Mr Clark began at a Scout air activity day in Thruxton, Hampshire, where he stepped in to share his expertise with the next generation of flyers.

Since then, he has continued to volunteer at similar events, helping to ignite and nurture young people’s passion for aviation.

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The volunteer was recently presented with a Scouting Commendation during a major Scout event near Cirencester, in front of an audience of more than 1,000 young people whom he had helped shepherd.

Known for his generosity, encouragement and expertise, Mr Clark has inspired droves of prospective pilots to pursue careers in aviation, sparking lifelong careers.

His citation reads: "For many years continuously supporting young people of all ages in their interest in aspects of aviation and skills for life."

His work to cultivate interest in aviation comes at a time when more young people are increasingly in demand, as the industry continues a trajectory of growth and, in turn, demand.

Research published by the UK Civil Aviation Authority shows the UK had the highest ever passenger numbers in the first quarter of 2026.

Additionally, one million more passengers flew through UK airports in Q1 of this year compared with the same period last year – largely driven by short-haul European flights, with over one million additional passengers travelling to Western Europe.

Nearly a third of customers (31 per cent) planned to fly more in 2026 than they did last year, meaning more flights require more pilots.

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Andrew McConnell, spokesman for the UK Civil Aviation Authority said: “This strong start to the year shows just how high demand for flying remains, particularly to popular European destinations.

“Even in a more challenging time for aviation, services are continuing to operate reliably and passengers are travelling in strong numbers, with that momentum set to build towards the summer peak.”

As a sign of the industry's further growth, overall satisfaction with flying recently hit its highest level (88 per cent) since 2016, when the UKCAA survey started.

To help meet demand within the industry, London Stansted Airport recently announced plans to support 25,000 young people into aviation careers by 2030, leaning on their Aerozone and Stansted Airport College for school leavers.

Similarly, British Airways also offers insight days for those aged 14 and up and work experience placements at Heathrow for those aged 15 and up.

Organisations like Fantasy Wings have engaged in similar work, running interactive workshops for young people and minorities in London.

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