UK – Nobody has applied for Helicentre Aviation pilot scholarships so far

UK – Nobody has applied for Helicentre Aviation pilot scholarships so far

22-May-2012 Source: Helicentre Aviation

In February this year Helicentre Aviation announced the launch of two Professional Helicopter Pilot Scholarships – unbelievably not a single application has so far been received with just over ten months remaining until the March 2013 deadline! The two scholarships have been designed to offer graduates of Helicentre’s PPL(H) and CPL(H) courses the chance to further their careers, but there’s still time for candidates with no flying experience at all to be a part of this unique and generous award which could provide a life-changing career opportunity.

The pre-entry criteria for the CPL(H) scholarship application is fairly straightforward, the applicant must complete their PPL(H) with Helicentre Aviation by 31st March 2013 for a chance to be awarded a CPL(H) theoretical knowledge course, fully-funded hour building as well as the modular CPL(H) flying course on the Robinson R22 or Schweizer 300. The package Helicentre Aviation have put together for the successful applicant is worth in the region of £50,000.

Captain Sarah Bowen, MD and Chief Pilot, finds it unbelievable that more than three months after the announcement was made, nobody has put an application forward. “When we launched the scholarships earlier this year we didn’t really know what response we would get, but we did expect some applications to have come in by now” she remarks. “Of the hundreds of pilots we have trained over the years, so far none of our existing graduates have applied for either scholarship, which is unexpected, but exceptionally good news for those who intend to start their training this year and submit an application.” The second scholarship, which is worth around £17k, is a fully funded flight instructor rating which will more than likely lead to a full time work opportunity. Pilots who complete their CPL(H) with Helicentre by the same deadline will be able to apply for the FI(H) scholarship.

Whilst there are no bonds or repayments tied into either scholarship award, Helicentre Aviation would like nothing more than to see the successful applicant staying on to achieve their first job in the industry. The company’s requirement for taking on new pilots, particularly helicopter flight instructors has always been high – it provides the new instructor with a excellent opportunity to get straight into training and develop themselves as a pilot whilst operating under the guidance and support of a reputable and experienced CAA Approved Training Organisation.

Regardless of final application numbers, these scholarships will be awarded next year and two pilots will be receiving a very lucky break. “After more than ten years of delivering professional pilot training and watching so many people achieve the goals they have set themselves, we feel we can afford to give something back” says Capt. Bowen. “This is a big financial commitment for us, but as a growing training academy we are delighted that we can do something positive for the industry.”

Helicentre Aviation have set up a dedicated website to provide more information about the Professional Helicopter Pilot Scholarships at www.helicopterscholarships.com with additional training information at www.flyheli.co.uk.

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