THE name of a pilot who died aged 49 will live on, after a flying scholarship was established to honour his memory.
Nick Davidson, who died of cancer last year, has left a legacy that will ensure an aspiring young pilot can receive the full aviation training they need.
The training package towards a full private pilot's licence is worth £9,000.
Mr Davidson, who lived in Westhumble, near Dorking, was latterly a captain with British Airways.
His first aviation job was as a flying instructor with the Surrey and Kent Flying Club at Biggin Hill.
After this he flew night mail with Willow Air from Southend Airport before piloting City Flyer UK and Europe passenger services from Gatwick.
The Nick Davidson Memorial Flying Scholarship is offered in association with Biggin Hill Airport and the Surrey and Kent Flying Club.
Applications are open to men and women aged between 16 and 25 who aspire to a career as a commercial pilot or in civil aviation.
His long-standing flying friend Gary Merchant, a captain with Easyjet, first met Mr Davidson when he joined the Surrey and Kent Flying Club in 1990 to learn to fly and Nick was his instructor.
Mr Merchant said: "When Nick became terminally ill in 2011, he discussed with me the terms of his will.
"He wanted a positive action for the benefit of aviation to be created after his death.
"The idea of a worthwhile scholarship for a deserving young person was born. I have accepted the responsibility to nominate the most suitable candidate from applications received."
Mr Merchant said the winner of the scholarship would be a "highly motivated individual" who has already shown initiative and commitment to an aviation career.
As the flying training will take place at Biggin Hill, the candidates most likely to be selected will be from within a radius of 15 miles of the airfield.
Applicants should send in their CV, together with a covering letter explaining why they should be granted the scholarship, to Sally Powell, PA to Managing Director, Biggin Hill Airport Ltd, Passenger Terminal, Biggin Hill Airport, Bromley TN16 3BH.
Mark the envelope "Nick Davidson Memorial Flying Scholarship".
The closing date is February 28.
