October 16, 2018 – Alexandria, Virginia - Helicopter Foundation International (HFI) is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications for its 2019 Scholarship Program. Available to student pilots and aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) around the world, these scholarships support HFI’s long-standing mission to educate the next generation of helicopter professionals.
New this year are three scholarships to Southern Utah University’s (SUU) Rotor Wing Pilot Program. Each scholarship, valued at up to $20,000, covers specific training labs, tuition, and fees.
Located in Cedar City, Utah, the Rotor Wing Program is part of the school’s aviation degree program. The SUU scholarships include training for:
* Rotor Wing Cross Country Maneuvers Lab
* Rotor Wing Commercial Pilot Certification Lab
* Instrument Commercial Rotor Wing Lab A
* Instrument Commercial Rotor Wing Lab B
* Rotor Wing Instrument Certification Lab.
Including the new scholarships, the HFI program now comprises 22 scholarships for pilots and AMTs currently enrolled in training. Pilots can further skills in specific types of flying or add type ratings to their license. AMT scholarships allow students to attend courses for A&P certification or OEM training in specific components or airframes.
“We recognize that education is expensive, and many students need tuition assistance,” says Allison McKay, HFI vice president. “Providing scholarships for helicopter training is one of the most important ways HFI supports the development of our next generation of pilots and AMTs.”
Each year, HFI funds and awards up to six $2,500 scholarships for students in maintenance technician programs. Additionally, HFI presents four $5,000 scholarships to pilots working toward their commercial helicopter ratings.
HFI also oversees the Bill Sanderson Aviation Maintenance Scholarships, administering the program on behalf of the Helicopter Association International (HAI) Technical Committee. Offered in conjunction with airframe,
Engine, and avionics manufacturers, recipients receive scholarships for airframe- or equipment-specific training courses as well as stipends of up to $1,600. Manufacturers participating in the program have previously included Airbus, Honeywell, Leonardo, MD Helicopters, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and Safran Turbomeca.
HFI also proudly offers the Michelle North Scholarship for Safety, honoring Ms. North, a past chairman of the HAI Safety Committee, an educator, and an industry-recognized helicopter safety expert and advocate. This scholarship provides the recipient with full tuition to a safety management course offered as part of the annual HAI Professional Education Program at HAI HELI-EXPO.
In addition to the education and training, all scholarship recipients also receive:
* A complimentary one-year HAI membership.
* A complimentary subscription to ROTOR magazine and ROTOR Daily.
* A complimentary registration for the recipient and one guest to attend HAI HELI-EXPO 2019 or HAI HELI-EXPO 2020. This includes admission to the show as well as to that year’s Salute to Excellence Awards luncheon. The registration does not cover any travel, hotel, meal, or other expenses.
The deadline to submit a scholarship application is November 30, 2018. Interested students should visit the HFI website rotor.org/scholarships for additional information and application requirements.
