Airservices Australia and the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia have announced the winners of the 2011 Airservices Learn to Fly Scholarships.
The scholarships are part of a four-year sponsorship agreement worth almost $100,000 in total and aimed at identifying the next generation of Australian pilots.
To apply for the Airservices Learn to Fly Scholarships, would-be pilots take an introductory flight with an RFACA member where their suitability to receive formal training is assessed, with the winners then selected from the top 10 per cent of scholarship applicants.
This year the scholarships went to:
• Matthew Di Paola – Royal Victorian Aero Club;
• Grant Timms – Darling Downs Aero Club;
• Andrew Tull – Royal Newcastle Aero Club; and
• Steve Hicks – Great Southern Aviation, Albany.
The four pilots-to-be were awarded the scholarships at the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia’s (RFACA) annual flying training conference last week, with each winner receiving $7700 to subsidise the cost of obtaining a PPL or CPL.
Airservices spokesman Rob Walker said the scholarships offered a terrific opportunity to showcase the industry and supported the sustainability of the general aviation community.
“We are very pleased to support RFACA and contribute to the future of Australian aviation,” Walker said. “It’s important we continue to promote entry paths into the industry and help generate interest in aviation careers.
“Airservices congratulates all the winners, and encourages them to get started on their training and obtaining their pilot’s licence.”