Airservices Australia will fund six scholarships per year over the next three years to support further education of pilots.
An agreement worth almost $70,000 has been signed the Aircraft Owners and Pilots’ Association (AOPA) to cover the costs of post-PPL training for the successful candidates.
Airservices Executive General Manager Government and Industry Affairs, Unni Menon said the agreement recognised the essential role played by AOPA as part of a vibrant, growing Australian aviation industry.
“We’re proud to support the work of the organisation as they help young people progress their flying skills and to operate safely and pursue a career in the industry,” he said.
“This agreement is part of our wider contribution to the aviation industry in general and we look forward to building on this association with AOPA.”
Through the Airservices sponsorship, AOPA will provide each successful student with $3,000 to subsidise the cost of qualifications such as IFR rating or a CPL.
“We hope these scholarships will encourage young pilots to become active, long-term members of the aviation community and beyond,” Menon said.
AOPA will also be offering 20 Trial Instruction Flights (TIFs) to young people to start them on the career path to becoming a pilot.