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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Damien Edgar

Newtownards air tragedy: Thousands raised for female pilot scheme

A scheme has been set up to fund a female pilot's license in honour of one victim of the Newtownards aircraft tragedy.

Caroline Mawhinney, 44, died when the light aircraft she was in crashed at Newtownards Airfield on the evening of Tuesday July 19.

Another man who was in the aircraft, Philip Murdock, the managing director and founder of Craigavon-based security technology company Envision, also died.

Read more: Newtownards air tragedy: Caroline Mawhinney remembered as 'kind and caring mother'

The pair were both members of the Ulster Flying Club, which has established the fund in her memory after consulting with her family.

Caroline had been a mechanical engineer for 20 years but had recently completed her teaching qualifications and was due to start a new job as a technology teacher at New-Bridge Integrated College in Loughbrickland.

Funds are being raised for the Future Female Pilot Scholarship, with a goal of £10,000 set and thousands already raised.

The fund has been set up by the Ulster Flying Club (Ulster Flying Club)

On the fundraising page, the Ulster Flying Club said the money would go towards an aspiring female pilot.

"Caroline was a much-loved member of our flying club and an inspiration to all, the flying club statement read.

"Caroline’s passion for aviation was unwavering. She was in the process of completing advanced flight training with the ultimate goal of becoming a flight instructor.

"Loved by students and staff, Caroline was instrumental in the success of Open Days, club fly-outs and dedicated her free time to our Airport Fire and Rescue service.

"In honour of Caroline and her passion for flying, relentless contributions to aviation in Northern Ireland and dedication to our flying club, we are pleased to announce that we are now accepting donations for this scholarship in her memory.

"This scholarship will help an aspiring female to become a fully qualified private pilot at the Ulster Flying Club.

"With the average cost of a pilot’s licence in the UK at approximately £10,000, this scholarship will change the life of a future female pilot."

The details on how to apply for the fund would be announced in due course, the Ulster Flying Club said.

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