A member of Whirly-Girls will benefit from a scholarship sponsored by Coptersafety, an independent helicopter pilot training provider that specializes in simulator training for H125s, H145s, AW13s9, and AW169s. Training is done at Coptersafety’s facility near Helsinki Airport (EFHK). The independent training provider offers instruction for certification around the world.

The scholarship provides an opportunity for one Whirly-Girls member to complete an FAA H145 initial training and/or ATP training course, including technical ground training, full-flight simulator training, and practical tests.

The training is done using Level D full-flight simulators. 

Applications are open until early October, and the scholarship will be awarded in 2025. 

This is Coptersafety’s second scholarship sponsorship with Whirly-Girls, as earlier this year the company sponsored two FAA AW139 type rating scholarships.

“At Coptersafety, we recognize the importance of increasing diversity in the vertical aviation industry,” said Matt Presnal, chief theoretical knowledge instructor at Coptersafety. “We are proud to continue our collaboration with Whirly-Girls International. By investing in women in aviation, we not only promote gender equality but also cultivate a stronger, more inclusive workforce for the future of vertical aviation.”

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The award includes $5,000 to apply toward an initial CFI rating, or it can be used for any CFI add-on rating. The scholarship includes lifelong access to the entire library of King Schools online courses and Flight Instructor Refresher Courses (FIRCs). The scholarship is worth more than $19,000.

• READ MORE: King Schools, NAFI Announce Scholarship Winner, New Program Focus

To be eligible, applicants must be a NAFI member with a current FAA commercial certificate and instrument rating or a CFI certificate.

How to Apply

Instructions for how to apply for the 2024 scholarship are available on the King Schools website. The deadline for applications is January 4.

NAFI, a professional organization geared toward the betterment of flight instructors,  has been around for more than 50 years. It provides resources to all flight instructors and encourages members to aspire to a higher standard of professionalism to elevate flight training. For more information, visit NAFInet.org.

King Schools has been offering training opportunities for decades. John and Martha King, founders and co-chairpersons of the company, are recognized as top instructors, as a primary mission of King Schools is to support flight instructors by preparing clients for FAA knowledge tests and providing training insights through its Flight Instructor Refresher Course. Since 1994 the Kings have been the first and only couple to both hold every category and class of FAA rating on their pilot and instructor certificates.

They are still active pilots, regularly flying anything they can get their hands on, from jets and piston airplanes to helicopters.

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A total of 22 Colorado students have been selected to receive 2023 WINGS’ flight training scholarships valued at either $8,000 or $12,000, based on their flight training experience, to pursue private pilot certification for single-engine airplanes.

The James C. Ray Foundation, a committed advocate for aviation education in Naples, Florida, provides the funding for these flight training scholarships, which WINGS disburses annually across Colorado. Over the past four years, WINGS has awarded 125 scholarships, amounting to $236,000, to aspiring pilots ages 15 to 18 who are eager to attain private pilot certification in gliders or single-engine airplanes. 

“Cultivating the next generation of private pilots is vital for the aviation industry’s continued success,” said John L. Barry, a retired Air Force major general who serves as president and CEO of WINGS. “We are honored to play a role in helping these dedicated and passionate students fulfill their aspirations. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the James C. Ray Foundation for enabling this scholarship program to benefit Colorado’s future aviators.”

READ MORE: Ray Foundation Propels New Pilots Into Aviation

The selection process for the WINGS flight training scholarship was rigorous, with more than 80 applications received. Each applicant underwent meticulous evaluation and interviews conducted by representatives from WINGS and its Captain Jeppesen Foundation. Upon selection, each scholarship recipient is assigned a mentor to provide guidance throughout their training journey, encompassing both flight hours and a comprehensive study regimen to facilitate their pilot certification.

To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants must be Colorado residents and undertake their training through a state-based aviation business.

Editor’s Note: This story appeared originally on planeandpilotmag.com.

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The APA provides $3,000 to Arizona-based students pursuing careers as professional pilots, airframe and powerplant mechanics, aviation maintenance technicians, and in air traffic control and airport management. The deadline to apply is October 31.

APA hands out six to eight scholarships a year to students enrolled in aviation-related programs at accredited colleges, universities, and vocational and technical institutions, according to Chris Nugent, vice president of the APA scholarship committee. The students are eligible for these scholarships, even if they’re attending schools outside of the Copper State.

The organization is looking for applicants who can maintain a scholastic position in the upper half of their class, demonstrate leadership qualities, moral character, and concern for others through community service.

The applicants must certify their intent to use the scholarship funds toward education in the field of aviation through participation in an aviation-related field in college, flight training, or another related educational program.

The APA is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization. The scholarship program is funded by member donations. For more information about APA, including how to apply for a scholarship, visit azpilots.org.

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The purpose of the scholarship organization is to help close the gender gap in aviation—less than 10 percent of the pilots in the world are female. Finances are often the largest barrier a fledgling pilot faces. The scholarships, which range from $2,500 to $5,000 in the form of flight training funds, help the women student pilots overcome the obstacles.

One of the things that makes this scholarship program unique, says Lyndse F. Costabile, who oversees I Hart Flying Foundation, corporate and donor relations—is that the scholarship recipients do not have to be of traditional school age.

An 11-member scholarship committee had the difficult task of sifting through the applications and selecting the best of the best from the field of 160 applicants.

“This year, the ladies really brought their A-game, had merit, character, and showed the grit we look for in selecting the best candidates for our Hart scholarship awards,” said Rachelle Spector, founder and CEO of I Hart Flying Foundation. “I’m excited to announce our five newest Hart Scholars, to include Isvet Martinez in Aledo, Texas, Kelsey Harbison in Billings, Montana; Hannah Rust in Northern Virginia; Kristin Brooks in Denver, Colorado; and Valerie Meyer in Southern Illinois.”

• READ MORE: I Hart Flying Scholarship Program Pays It Forward

Scholars also receive various in-kind donations from partners that add more than $3,000 in value. In addition, the scholarship winners are invited to find mentors within the I Hart Flying family that can help them as they move through their aviation careers.

“We help them build a network and navigate the industry,” Costabile explains.

Life Changing Event

“I am so unbelievably honored and excited to have been chosen as a winner of the Industry Connect scholarship opportunity with I Hart Flying Foundation,” said Kelsey Harbison, a commercial multiengine flight student who plans to use the award to pursue her CFI certificate. Harison’s long-term goal is to fly Part 135 cargo, medevac, and aerial firefighting.

For Hannah Rust, the second time was the charm as she applied for a scholarship in 2021 but was not selected. So she applied again in 2022.

“My aviation journey has taught me determination and perseverance, so despite not receiving a scholarship last year, I am so glad that I didn’t give up,” she said. She is currently pursuing her instrument rating and plans to become an instructor and eventually a corporate pilot. 

“I decided to focus on how I could best serve, and I have found the true joy of flying is sharing the gift of aviation with others. Being awarded this scholarship, I feel energized to continue the work of increasing awareness and exposure to the amazing opportunities within STEAM careers. I love I Hart Flying’s mission to empower and equip our community with the tools needed to succeed,” she said. “Their genuine care and enthusiasm to see women flourish in aviation is inspiring!”

I Hart Flying was founded in 2017. Since then, the organization has awarded more than $150,000 in scholarship funding, training packages, pilot supplies, and flight training equipment to 26 scholars.

About I Hart Flying Foundation:

I Hart Flying is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by pilot and entrepreneur Rachelle Spector whose love of aviation began in 2010 when she received a scholarship to obtain her private pilot certificate.

I Hart Flying invites others to get involved. The more charitable funds raised, the more opportunities and scholarships the organization can offer to help women take flight. Additional funds raised will also support travel needs for Hart scholars to attend NBAA-BACE in Orlando, October 18-20, where they will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with industry partners, network, and share their experiences, and help inspire others. 

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The airline, which also served as the title sponsor for last week’s event held in Phoenix, Arizona, handed over a $1.5 million check to boost the academy’s operation and to fund yearly student scholarships.

Airline CEO Robert Isom was present during the ceremony to hand the big check over to the academy’s co-directors, Captains Jeff Harrison and Albert Glenn, and its general aviation manager, Germilla Taylor, who all joined Isom on stage for the announcement. Christina Flores, the managing director for global talent and inclusion at American Airlines, was also present.

In a statement, Isom said his company’s team strength comes from having a diverse group of workers, especially pilots. Moreover, he said it is essential to support young people who want to enter the industry by lowering the financial hurdle they have to overcome to become airline pilots.

“We must expose young people to careers in aviation, provide relief to financial barriers and increase the number of underrepresented minority pilots on the flight deck,” Isom said.

Glenn, a retired captain, expressed gratitude for the support and echoed the CEO’s sentiments.

“The Luke Weathers Flight Academy is a one-of-a-kind training ground where students of all backgrounds, especially aspiring pilots of color, can receive the training, support, and mentorship pivotal to their success in the pilot profession,” Glenn said.

The Luke Weathers Flight Academy

The Luke Weathers Flight Academy is a non-profit school based at the Olive Branch Airport (KOLV) in Mississippi. It’s named after Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Luke Weathers Jr., the FAA’s first African-American air traffic controller. Weathers was based at Memphis International Airport (KMEM). OBAP launched the program in 2018 as an initiative to increase diversity in the airline industry through a commitment to training 50 pilots per year over the next five years. 

The academy has targeted more than 225 high-school students from the Memphis area. It will subsidize their flight training, through scholarships and tuition reimbursement, from student pilots to flight instructor ratings. For instance, OBAP’s member-students get a 10 percent discount on flight training.

In addition to a “zero-CFI” total immersion course, the academy offers options to gain certifications such as a certified multiengine instructor or ground instructor ratings. Additional programs include jet and military rotary to fixed wing transition programs, maintenance and air traffic control academies, youth UAV pilot training, and mentoring.

The organization said its “aggressive” target is to train 50 CFIs, 125 high-school solo academy pilots, 50 airline pilots, and 100 Black women by 2025. So far, OBAP says it has achieved 20 percent of its CFI target, i.e., 10 instructors. Of the 125 students who plan to solo, 55, or 44 percent, have already had their shirt tails cut. The academy—which has introduced 33 out of 100 Black women to flying—has graduated 10 of 50 pilots to airline careers.  

From the American funding, $750,000 will go towards a resource grant, and $250,000 will fund scholarships. The airline will also award $250,000 in additional scholarships for the next two years. 

During the conference, American extended 45 job offers to OBAP members—the only mainline carrier at the event to do so.

“American’s support will only amplify our ability to prepare more aviators for successful careers,” Glenn said.

Ramping Up Outreach Amid a Pilot Shortage

With the industry facing a deep-pilot shortage, airlines are ramping up their efforts to recruit and retain pilots. Analysts have predicted that the U.S. airline industry will be short 26,000 pilots by 2030, unless they increase efforts to recruit, train, and retain pilots. 

These outreach efforts by groups, like OBAP in partnership with American, aim to get a jumpstart by engaging with young people earlier in their career journeys. American also said it hosted more than 150 students across its facilities throughout the summer as a part of OBAP’s Aerospace Career Education (ACE) Academy, designed to give middle to high-school students hands-on aviation experiences.

In July, American flew roughly 100 students in a private charter from Chicago to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for the EAA’s AirVenture airshow. The flight was piloted by OBAP members who work for the airline.

Capt. David Ricketts, the flight’s captain, said, “I joined OBAP over 25 years ago when I was finding my way as a pilot, and there weren’t many people who looked like me. Now, I am grateful to be on the other side where I can use my platform to mentor diverse youth to be successful pilots.” 

Separately, earlier this year, American Airlines created the  Elise Eberwein American Airlines Pilot Scholarship, named for a retiring executive who served as a vice-president of people and global engagement. The $10 million scholarship, or a million per year over 10 years, is designed to enhance the airline’s pilot recruitment. Each year, two candidates will receive $500,000 for training through the American Airlines Cadet Academy, launched in 2018.

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Each student has a vision of what that school should be like. For some, that means a large university with Division I football games to attend on the weekends, but for others, the right track is an accelerated program leading to a career in as little as 12 months.

For those interested in the more accelerated route, FLYING researched flight schools across the country, breaking each program down to provide a look into the overall experience.

To help you make an informed decision on which flight school may be the right fit for you, FLYING gathered information and ranked each program in four categories:

●     Career Partnerships

●     Value

●     Fleet

●     Facilities/Location

After a thorough research process, FLYING determined the top flight schools to consider when choosing where to pursue a professional career as a pilot. They include: 

ATP Flight School

Founded by airline pilots more than 35 years ago, ATP Flight School is the largest flight training establishment in the U.S. ATP’s nationwide network of 71 training centers located in 31 states allows for more efficient scheduling and examiner availability. The Airline Career Pilot Program is one of the fastest ways to become a professional pilot, in just seven months.

ATP is dedicated to creating an efficient path to becoming an airline pilot. With accelerated programs, affordable tuition, and airline partnerships, it has become one of the leading flight training centers in the nation.

Points Earned

10 out of 10 in Industry Partners

9 out of 10 in Value

8 out of 10 in Fleet

10 out of 10 in Facilities and Location

Overall: 37 out of a possible 40 points

Aeroguard Flight Training

Located in Arizona, Florida, and Texas, Aeroguard Flight Training has four locations across three states that offer an accelerated flight training program with connections to multiple airlines. Partnering with many airlines opens up opportunities for students to start on their career path early. Students can also pursue a bachelor’s degree in aviation, thanks to the flight school’s affiliate partnership with Liberty University, while flight training at Aeroguard.

Points Earned

9 out of 10 in Industry Partners

9 out of 10 in Value

9 out of 10 in Fleet

8 out of 10 in Facilities and Location

Overall: 35 out of a possible 40 points

Spartan College

Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology has four campuses—Tulsa, Oklahoma; Broomfield, Colorado; Inglewood, California; and Riverside, California—offering several Associate of Applied Science aviation-focused degree programs. The college has been around since the 1920s and has trained more than 100,000 pilots.

Spartan College is dedicated to training pilots efficiently and investing in their success. A 17-month professional pilot program makes Spartan stand out, and with tons of industry connections, students can ease up the pipeline to the airlines.

Points Earned

9 out of 10 in Industry Partners

8 out of 10 in Value

7 out of 10 in Fleet

9 out of 10 in Facilities and Location

Overall: 33 out of a possible 40 points in colleges

Blue Line Aviation

Located in Smithfield, North Carolina, Blue Line Aviation’s 50,000-square-foot headquarters with state-of-the-art facilities bring the flight school to a new level. Blue Line Aviation would be the perfect fit for student pilots looking to be immersed in training from day one. The short, accelerated training schedule gives life to a new career in months instead of years.

Points Earned

5 out of 10 in Industry Partners

9 out of 10 in Value

9 out of 10 in Fleet

10 out of 10 in Facilities and Location

Overall: 33 out of a possible 40 points

Check out all the flight schools and their scores in FLYING’s Flight School Guide.

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Each student has a vision of what that school should be like. For some, that means a large university with Division I football games to attend on the weekends, but for others, an accelerated program leading to a career in as little as 12 months is the right track.

In the guide, FLYING breaks down each flight training program to provide a look into the overall experience.

To help you make an informed decision on which school may be the right fit, we’ve gathered information and ranked each program in five categories:

●     Career Partnerships

●     Value

●     Campus Life

●     Fleet

●     Facilities/Location

After an in depth research process, FLYING determined the top five colleges and universities to consider when pursuing a degree in aviation—while also attending flight school. They are:

University of Oklahoma

Located in Norman, Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma’s curriculum has a strong business focus, which prepares students for the aviation industry from a different perspective. Students who attend the University of Oklahoma will have the full college experience and the opportunity to fly newer aircraft and build connections through the university’s impressive contact list.

Points Earned

9 out of 10 in Industry Partners

9 out of 10 in Value

9 out of 10 in Fleet

8 out of 10 in Campus Life

8 out of 10 in Facilities and Location

Overall: 43 out of a possible 50 points

University of North Dakota

Located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the University of North Dakota offers an array of programs throughout the aviation industry. The University of North Dakota Aerospace program is one of only 34 aviation accredited programs in the world. Students who attend the University of North Dakota will have the full college experience while learning about many fields of aviation.

Points Earned

10 out of 10 in Industry Partners

8 out of 10 in Value

9 out of 10 in Fleet

7 out of 10 in Campus Life

8 out of 10 in Facilities and Location

Overall: 42 out of a possible 50 points

Purdue University

Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue University has its own airport (KLAF) for aviation students. You can find it directly across the street from the main campus. Purdue hosts an annual aviation career fair to assist students and graduates in finding lasting careers in the industry. Purdue students have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and aircraft. They also experience collegiate traditions at a university that was established in the 1890s.

Points Earned

10 out of 10 in Industry Partners

9 out of 10 in Value

8 out of 10 in Fleet

6 out of 10 in Campus Life

9 out of 10 in Facilities and Location

Overall: 42 out of a possible 50 points

Western Michigan University

Located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Western Michigan University offers three different Bachelor of Science programs, seaplane certification and two training programs: jet equivalency training, and flight instruction training. Students who attend Western Michigan have access to a sought-after aviation program and benefit from traditional college experiences.

Points Earned

10 out of 10 in Industry Partners

8 out of 10 in Value

8 out of 10 in Fleet

7 out of 10 in Campus Life

9 out of 10 in Facilities and Location

Overall: 42 out of a possible 50 points

Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus

Located in Salina, Kansas, Kansas State University Polytechnic offers 14 different aviation programs, ranging from certificates to bachelor’s degrees and a new master’s degree program. This program trains students above the minimum requirements set forth by the FAA to ensure its students are well-rounded and ready for the industry. The Kansas State Salina Campus is a technical campus with a large school name. This gives the school the ability to provide state-of-the-art facilities and instructors. With many different industry connections and an opportunity to earn a restricted ATP certificate, students may find success in the industry even prior to graduation.

Points Earned

9 out of 10 in Industry Partners

8 out of 10 in Value

9 out of 10 in Fleet

7 out of 10 in Campus Life

9 out of 10 in Facilities and Location

Overall: 42 out of a possible 50 points

Check out all the aviation colleges and their scores in FLYING’s Flight School Guide.

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HAI offers aviation industry scholarships for aviation maintenance, commercial helicopter pilots, and pilot safety. Select scholarships include stipends. 

“Paying for schools, books, flight time, or tools is one of the toughest parts of our industry,” Greg Brown, HAI’s director of education and training services, said in a statement. “HAI’s scholarship program is one option to help people in our industry, whether you’re just entering the incredible field of rotorcraft or advancing to the next stage of your career.”

There are four scholarships available for 2023.

Available Scholarships 

Commercial Helicopter Pilot Rating Scholarship: This is designed to assist private helicopter pilots to continue their training in attaining a commercial helicopter rating. Up to two scholarships are available at $5,000 each. 

Recipients of the scholarships will also receive tickets to the HAI HELI-EXPO in Atlanta, Georgia on March 6–9, 2023

Michelle North Scholarship for Safety: This award was founded in memory of Michelle North, a long time advocate for aviation safety, and to encourage a strong focus on best safety practices during helicopter training and education. 

Eligible applicants must hold a current commercial helicopter rating and demonstrate high aptitude for the best safety practice while flying. The scholarship pays the registration fee for the recipient to attend a safety management system (SMS) course as well as awards hotel accommodations and tickets to the HELI-EXPO 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Bill Sanderson Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Scholarship: Sanderson was a longtime industry director and advocate for AMT programs, The award provides full tuition to complete a maintenance course from a selection of courses from specific airframe and powerplant manufacturers. The scholarship also includes a $1,600 living stipend. Up to seven scholarships are available. 

The following manufacturers are participating in the program this year:

• Airbus
• Bell
• Leonardo
• MD Helicopters
• Pratt & Whitney
• Rolls-Royce
• Safran Helicopter Engines

Recipients of the scholarships will also receive tickets to the 2023 HAI HELI-EXPO.

Maintenance Technician Certificate Scholarship: This awardis available to two recipients who are enrolled in programs to become aviation maintenance technicians. The scholarship awards $2,500 to each recipient.

Recipients of the scholarships will also receive tickets to the HAI HELI-EXPO in Atlanta, Georgia, March 6–9, 2023

Applications for all scholarships are due by Oct. 14, 2022.

If you are not a member and would like more information please visit HAI.

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The Aerospace Center of Excellence (ACE) at the Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL) fosters innovation and education through a number of programs and outreach. Latest among those programs is the Elevate Aerospace & Logistics Incubator opening in Hangar A on the grounds of the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo.

“Every time we go through [Central Florida Airspace Academy], we talk to the students and they all have business ideas,” said Rick Garcia, ACE board chairman, at the soft launch of the building on Wednesday at the 2022 Expo. “They all say, ‘How do I get from here to there? How do I move a business plan? How do I network? How do I find mentors for my project?’ And most importantly, the one thing that almost everyone through the door asks is, ‘How do I finance that?’”

The answer lies in Elevate, which in its initial stages comprises a coworking and collaboration space where members can gather to share ideas, brainstorm, meet with mentors, and propel business plans forward.

A Super Cool Incubation Space

Eric Crump, aerospace program director at Polk State College and board member for Elevate, walked through the new space—still waiting on furniture in anticipation of its grand opening in June. He pointed out unique elements of the space intended to percolate innovations. 

One of those features? The collaboration rooms are painted with dry-erase paint, so that members and mentors are encouraged to literally write on the walls.  “A dry erase board is just too limiting to me,” said Crump. “It has a box around it.”

“We actually want you to write on the walls—it’s a good thing.”

Other spaces are set up to host meetings both in-person and virtual, formal conference-style and informal “shoot the breeze on the couch.” Members can move between spaces as needed—there are no levels of membership.

How Does It Work?

Speaking of which, Crump walked through the initial pricing:

• Virtual membership: $50/month
• Open coworking: $100/month
• Dedicated desk: $150/month
• Private office: $250/month

Scholarships will be available for students—they wish to attract members ages 16 and up. For more information, on both mentorship and member opportunities, visit the site.

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