Offers 19 Scholarships Each Year To Support Vertical Aviation Industry

HFI has long recognized the need for qualified commercial helicopter pilots and helicopter maintenance technicians — the current shortage is very real and many of our experienced pilots and maintenance technicians are nearing retirement age. HFI annually offers up to 19 scholarships to help support students studying to become part of tomorrow's vertical aviation industry.

Applications are open now for a number of scholarships offered by the foundation.

Commercial Helicopter Rating Scholarships — Applicants for the Commercial Helicopter Rating Scholarship must already have obtained their Private license and be enrolled in a Commercial Helicopter Rating program at an FAA-approved Part 141 school or international equivalent. Up to four scholarships may be awarded. Applicants who expect to receive their Commercial Helicopter Rating prior to January 1, 2015, are not eligible to apply for or to receive this scholarship award.

Maintenance Technician Certificate Scholarships — Applicants for the Maintenance Technician Certificate Scholarship must already be enrolled in a Maintenance Technician Certificate program at an FAA-approved Part 147 school or international equivalent. Up to six scholarships may be awarded. Applicants who expect to receive their Maintenance Technician Certificate prior to January 1, 2015, are not eligible to apply for or to receive this scholarship award.

Bill Sanderson Aviation Maintenance Technician Scholarships — Scholarship winners attend a course from a selection offered by airframe and power plant manufacturers with a value not to exceed $1,600. Up to eight scholarships may be awarded.

Michelle North Scholarship for Safety — Established in memory of Michelle North; a well-known helicopter safety expert and educator. This scholarship is awarded to a pilot who has already attained a commercial rating and demonstrates an outstanding aptitude for safe flying and aviation best practices. One scholarship may be awarded.

Applicants for these awards are selected by one of HFI's qualified scholarship review committees. Monies are paid out to the selected applicants upon successful completion of their respective programs.

The deadline to apply for these scholarships is 11:59 PM on November 30th, 2014.

FMI: www.helicopterfoundation.org.