The Whirly-Girls Scholarship Fund Inc. announced they will be offering a new Instrument Rating scholarship in conjunction with Leading Edge Flight Academy & Central Oregon Community College (COCC) to a deserving member of Whirly-Girls International for 2021.

This scholarship provides the opportunity to receive a helicopter instrument rating training course. Leading Edge Flight Academy will provide 21 hours of flight training in the Robinson R44 and 30 hours of ground instruction. COCC will provide 14 hours of flight training in an Advanced Aviation Training Device (simulator). Training will take place in Bend, Oregon, USA and the course is valued at approximately $16,725.

“Together with our newest contributor, Leading Edge Flight Academy and COCC, we are pleased to offer an instrument rating scholarship in our program this year” said Joni Schultz, President of Whirly-Girls International. “The training the recipient will receive is incredibly valuable, life-saving valuable. We appreciate the efforts of all parties responsible for making this opportunity possible. This scholarship adds great value in the 2021 scholarship program.  To quote Helen Keller “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.””

“Leading Edge Flight Academy, in partnership with COCC, is very happy to announce the new Instrument Rating Scholarship.   We are excited to be joining the list of Whirly Girl contributors and help advance women pilots in the industry.  The recipient will receive the required training for a helicopter instrument rating, gaining the invaluable skills necessary to become a better, safer pilot.  At Leading Edge, we instill our values of safety and professionalism with each student we graduate through a course; helping the aviation community grow, one success story at a time.” Said Nicole Orlich, Director of Flight Operations for Leading Edge Flight Academy.

“Leading Edge Flight Academy’s commitment to safety and professionalism contributes an essential element to the Central Oregon Community College Aviation Program,” said Karl Baldessari, the Aviation Program Director at COCC.  “The long-standing relationship between the two organizations strengthens all aspects of the programs to a point of national recognition. Through scholarships like this, Leading Edge continues to support college, and industry goals of equal access to an education of choice, and diversity in the workforce. “

All active members of Whirly-Girls International in good standing at the time of application who hold at least a private pilot certificate/license will be eligible to apply for the scholarship. Application details can be found at https://whirlygirls.org/scholarship-offerings-and-requirements-scholarships/.