RMIT University student Andrew Webb has been awarded a $20,000 scholarship from the Australian Air Pilots Mutual Benefit Fund (Australian Air Pilots MBF).
The Australian Air Pilots MBF scholarship is the first of its kind to be offered at RMIT’s Flight Training School and will cover the fees for RMIT’s Instructor Rating program.
Webb, 29, had been teaching English in Japan when he decided to pursue his ambition to become a pilot. He says winning the scholarship had relieved him of a significant financial burden.
“After I complete the Diploma, my aim is to undertake the Instructor Rating course and become a flying instructor,” he said. “This scholarship will help make this possible. Eventually I hope to fly for a commercial airline.”
RMIT Flight Training is the only school in Victoria that has VET Fee-help available to its students for the Diploma of Air Transport (Airline Pilot). Many graduates of the diploma go on to take the Instructor Rating course, which helps them gain employment in the industry, however the course is not covered by VET Fee-help and students undertake the training at their own expense.
The Australian Air Pilots MBF scholarship funds the Instructor Rating course for a student with good flying aptitude and attitude, and excellent academic achievement.
“I would like to take the opportunity to express my strong gratitude to the Australian Air Pilots MBF and RMIT for this amazing opportunity,” Webb said.
The Australian Air Pilots MBF has provided financial support to hundreds of members who have needed assistance due to ill health or accident.
RMIT University student and Australian Air Pilots MBF scholarship winner Andrew Webb. (RMIT)
