Jacob the Pilot experiences first electric aircraft flight at Saxon Air event

On Saturday 22 March, RAF Benevolent Fund supporter Jacob Newson, known as Jacob the Pilot, experienced his first electric aircraft flight thanks to Saxon Air in recognition of his incredible fundraising efforts.

The special flight experience from Saxon Air, a private charter airline based at Norwich Airport, was gifted to Jacob as a gesture of recognition for his exceptional fundraising efforts for the Fund, having raised an estimated £55,000 to date.

The flight took place at Saxon Air’s Private Pilot’s Licence Open Day in Norwich, aimed at offering future pilots like Jacob a glimpse into the future of aviation.

Jacob, aged 10, has been dedicated to supporting the RAF Family since 2019 and has completed challenges including climbing Pen-y-Ghent and the Three Peaks in Yorkshire; walking 30 miles in two days from RAF Manston in Ramsgate to the Battle of Britain Memorial in Folkestone; and trekking Ben Nevis. In 2021, Jacob won the ‘Above and Beyond’ Award at the prestigious RAF Benevolent Fund Annual Awards Ceremony.

Last year, Jacob received a Pride of Britain Award for his commitment to fundraising and was awarded his envelope from a Red Arrows pilot at RAF Waddington.

Jacob’s flight was in the Pipistrel Velis Electro where Jacob had a Go-Pro placed in the aircraft to live document his electric flight.

Reflecting on his experience flying the aircraft, Jacob said: “Overall, I would give the experience 11 stars out of 10! This flight was calm and quiet; I think the future of electric aircraft is going to be good!"

Neil Turnbull, Head of Training at Saxon Air said: “We were thrilled to have Jacob join us for the electric flight and to welcome aspiring pilots from near and far to experience the excitement of aviation at our open day!”

Ben Alonso, Director of Fundraising at the Fund, said: “We were delighted to see Jacob have this unique opportunity as a thank you for his unwavering support of the RAF Benevolent Fund. His dedication to supporting the RAF Family is truly inspiring, and this flight in an electric aircraft was a fitting tribute to his efforts.”