Selma Grage - from racing horses to flying vintage aircraft!

...I've learned that sometimes all it takes is a leap of faith.

My name is Selma Grage, I’m 21 years old, and last year I won the Sir Geoffrey De Havilland Flying Scholarship which means I’m currently doing my Private Pilot License (PPL) on the DH82a Tiger Moth. This is as a part of the historic Cambridge Flying Group which has been operating at the airfield for an impressive 70 years. The group has two Tigers dedicated to training, and their extraordinary histories make it a true privilege to fly these beautiful and unique aircraft today.

During the week, I work at Cambridge Jet Centre as a Flight Service Coordinator. It’s a great place to be as it exposes me to a wide range of tasks which provide valuable insights into the many aspects of both private and commercial aviation. I have worked in the industry for just over a year now but before this, my career path looked very different. Before my move to aviation, I used to be an apprentice jockey riding races across the country. With a successful time doing pony racing in Denmark, I made the natural progression to the UK to expand my career and become a professional jockey. So when I was 16 I went on a flight, joined the British Racing School and never turned back.

The thrill of riding a racehorse at more than 35 miles an hour is very special and it takes a lot of focus, hard work and dedication to be a successful jockey. I had a couple of good seasons and enjoyed working with some incredible horses. However, after sustaining a few injuries during my racing career, I realised it was time for a new chapter. The only other passion that could compare to being a jockey was becoming a pilot. But how could I break into the aviation world, an industry I had never been a part of before?

Just a few months before this, I met my partner, who had recently finished his integrated commercial pilot course and went on to gain his flight instructor rating shortly after. We went flying together in a Cessna once and I knew straight away that I would have to find a way to take it further and learn to fly myself.

While I was unable to fly due to an injury, I decided to start studying for the PPL theory exams and managed to pass Air Law, Meteorology and Human Factors before I had even started taking any flying lessons. I began saving up for my license but soon realised it would take a considerable amount of time unless I found an alternative. That was when I started looking for scholarships, bursaries and support online and found the Coachmakers Sir Geoffrey De Havilland Flying Scholarship. Without much expectation, I applied straight away, but a couple of weeks later I got a phone call from the Cambridge Flying Group...

They asked me if it would be possible for me to come and try sitting in the Tiger Moth to see if I would be able to reach the rudders. After reading my application they would like to invite me to an assessment day, however, seeing that I used to be a jockey they had assumed I might risk being too short to actually fly the aircraft. Luckily this was not the case and I got an invitation for an interview.

To my delight, I made it through and became the very fortunate recipient of the scholarship, covering 75% of my PPL - all on the Tiger Moth! Not only does it provide much-appreciated financial support, but it also offers a truly unique and fascinating way to learn to fly, especially with the historical significance of the aircraft at the Cambridge Flying Group.

Just last week, I achieved a major milestone in every pilot’s journey - my first solo. It was an absolutely incredible experience. Only those who have experienced it themselves can truly grasp the feeling and the whirlwind of thoughts that fill your mind when you're up in the air on your own for the very first time!

Flying the Tigers comes with its own set of challenges, particularly during the winter months when weather conditions can be unpredictable. There were times when I had to endure a few months of not being able to fly due to the weather. It could be challenging to stay motivated during those times, but when everything finally aligns, and all the hard work and patience pay off, it's an incredibly rewarding feeling.

I still have a long way to go but I look forward to every single part of the journey and can’t wait to see what the future brings. My ultimate goal is to become a vintage aircraft display pilot, showcasing these magnificent flying machines to audiences far and wide. Additionally, I've developed a taste for aerobatics, which I thoroughly enjoy. Once I complete my PPL, I'll be aiming to obtain my aerobatic rating as well. It's my hope that I can combine these two passions and share my enthusiasm for aviation with others.