The Air & Space Institute (ASI) is celebrating the outstanding success of Antoni Bagrowski, who has achieved his Private Pilot Licence (PPL(A)) at just 17 years old.
The achievement follows the news in June that Antoni, then completing his first year on ASI's Military and Defence Pilot Pathway, had secured a fully funded PPL Scholarship from The Honourable Company of Air Pilots, sponsored by the BALPA Benevolent Fund.
At the time of the scholarship announcement, Antoni had already completed 10 hours of flight training and achieved his first solo flight. Since then, he has made remarkable progress, completing around 40 hours of flight training and all 10 required theoretical examinations in just two months.
Antoni successfully passed his PPL skills test at Gamston Flying School on 30 July 2026, before receiving his official licence in the post on 21 August.
In a further outstanding achievement, Antoni became, as of 17 August 2026, one of the five youngest PPL(A) holders in the UK, as confirmed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
For Antoni, the achievement represents another important milestone in an aviation journey that began with a gliding scholarship, which he completed before joining ASI. His passion for flying has continued to grow, alongside his ambition to pursue a future career as a professional pilot, with aspirations that include the Royal Air Force and commercial aviation.
Now beginning his second year at ASI, Antoni is already building an impressive portfolio of aviation experience and qualifications.
Antoni Bagrowski, said: “The past two months have been intense and challenging, especially going from almost 0 hours to 40 flight hours and having to sit 10 exams in such a short period of time, but I have enjoyed every single moment and achieving my PPL at 17 is something I will always be incredibly proud of.”
The scholarship has provided Antoni with an invaluable opportunity to develop his practical flying skills and take another significant step towards his long-term aviation ambitions.
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We still have spaces available on: Level 2 Space Engineering, Level 2 Aviation, Level 3 Travel & Tourism and Level 2 Protective Services.
Simply visit Air & Space Institute reception, off Great North Road, any Wednesday throughout September between 11am and 1pm to enrol on the spot.
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