Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce that the association is now accepting applications for its 2023 scholarship program.

HAI offers scholarships in the areas of aviation maintenance, commercial helicopter pilot ratings, and pilot safety. Some of the scholarships include stipends.

“Paying for schools, books, flight time, or tools is one of the toughest parts of our industry,” says Greg Brown, HAI’s director of education and training services. “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.”

The four scholarship programs available for 2023 are:

Bill Sanderson Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Scholarship

Founded in memory of Bill Sanderson, a longtime industry director and advocate for AMT programs, this scholarship provides full tuition to complete a maintenance course from a selection of courses offered by various airframe and powerplant manufacturers. The award includes a stipend of up to US$1,600 to assist with travel, lodging, and food. Up to seven Bill Sanderson AMT Scholarships may be awarded annually.

The following manufacturers are participating in the program this year:

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

In addition, Bill Sanderson Scholarship recipients receive:

• A complimentary full registration for the scholarship recipient and a guest for HAI Heli-Expo in Atlanta, Georgia, March 6–9, 2023 (exhibits open Mar. 7–9). Hotel and travel expenses are the responsibility of the scholarship winner and guest.
• Formal recognition at HAI’s Annual General Meeting at HAI Heli-Expo

Commercial Helicopter Pilot Rating Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded each year to pilots who have their private licenses and are in the process of attaining a commercial helicopter rating. Up to two Commercial Helicopter Pilot Rating Scholarships may be awarded annually.The scholarship awards US$5,000 toward the cost of obtaining a commercial helicopter rating. In addition, scholarship recipients receive:

• A complimentary full registration for the scholarship recipient and a guest for HAI Heli-Expo 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia (hotel and travel expenses are the responsibility of the scholarship winner and guest).
• Formal recognition at HAI’s Annual General Meeting at HAI Heli-Expo 2023.

Maintenance Technician Certificate Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded each year to up to two students studying to become aviation maintenance technicians.The scholarship awards US$2,500 toward the cost of obtaining an aviation maintenance certificate. In addition, scholarship recipients receive:

• A complimentary full registration for the scholarship recipient and a guest for HAI Heli-Expo 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia (hotel and travel expenses are the responsibility of the scholarship winner and guest).
• Formal recognition at HAI’s Annual General Meeting at HAI Heli-Expo 2023.

Michelle North Scholarship for Safety

This scholarship is awarded to a pilot who has already attained a commercial rating and who demonstrates an outstanding aptitude for safe flying and aviation best practices.The scholarship was founded in memory of Michelle North, a longtime industry advocate of safety, to encourage a stronger focus on safety education and training in helicopter operations. One scholarship may be awarded annually.The scholarship pays the registration fee for the recipient to attend a safety management system (SMS) course, which will be part of the HAI Professional Education Course Program at HAI Heli-Expo 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.In addition, the scholarship recipient receives:

• A complimentary full registration and hotel accommodations for the scholarship recipient for HAI Heli-Expo 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia (travel expenses are the responsibility of the scholarship recipient).
• Formal recognition at HAI’s Annual General Meeting at HAI Heli-Expo 2023.

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

HAI scholarships are open to members only.

Source: Helicopter Association International (HAI) Press Release

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