HFI Commercial Helicopter Rating Scholarship

Scholarship Name:

HFI Commercial Helicopter Rating Scholarship

Purpose:

The HFI Commercial Helicopter Pilot Rating Scholarship is awarded each year to up to four pilots who have their private licenses and are in the process of attaining a commercial helicopter rating.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be enrolled in a flight training program at an FAA-approved Part 141 school or international equivalent. Applicants must also hold at least a 2nd-class or international-equivalent medical certificate.

Value:

$5,000.00 each (Up to 4 total)

Application Submission Process and Completion Date:

Typical scholarship open date: September 1, closing date November 30.

Scholarship applications are accepted beginning September 1. The application form is a pdf file that you can download, fill out, and save to your computer. You can stop and save your work at any time; your work will be saved until your next session.

Email your completed application and all supporting documents to scholarships@rotor.org by midnight EST, November 30, 2016. Please ensure that all portions are completed; only complete applications that are accompanied by all required supporting documentation will be considered.

In addition to your completed application, you will need to submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Airman certificates, if applicable
• A copy of the last page of your pilot logbook and the class and date of your medical certificate
• Certification of your flight school’s status as a FAA-certified Part 141 facility or international-equivalent flight training program
• Two signed letters of recommendation: one from your flight school program director, administrator, or instructor, and one from an employer, instructor, or other person who can attest to your aviation background, training, and experience.

Scholarship winners are chosen by the HFI Scholarship Review Committee. HFI will notify all applicants of their status by January 15, 2017.

Selection Process:

A primary determinant will be evidence of the applicant’s skill and ability to be a commercial helicopter pilot and interest in pursuing a career as a pilot in the helicopter industry.

Scholarship funds will only be applied to tuition costs. Scholarship winners are responsible for their own transportation and ancillary expenses (books, meals, lodging). Any portion of scholarship money over and above the student’s tuition must be sent directly back to HFI.

Only applicants who meet the minimum qualifications as determined by the HFI Scholarship Selection Committee will be considered.

Scholarship monies will be paid upon award of an FAA Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certificate. Written notification of FAA Certificate along with a copy of the certificate must be sent to HFI at 1920 Ballenger Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314-2898.

Payment of scholarship monies is conditional upon receipt of supporting documentation from the attended school that the student has successfully completed the required coursework and has been licensed and received an FAA Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certificate from a certified FAA Part 141 school or international equivalent.

If the school has not been compensated by the student, the HFI will make payment to the institution on behalf of the student, up to the maximum limit of the scholarship awarded. In the event that the student was previously invoiced by the school and has completely paid in advance, the HFI will reimburse the student directly, up to the maximum limit of the scholarship awarded.

Winners will be notified by phone and by mail, and they (or their representative) will be encouraged to attend HAI HELI-EXPO. A complimentary one-year HAI membership and full registration to HAI HELI-EXPO for scholarship winner and their guest, including dinner for two at the HAI Salute to Excellence Awards, will be awarded with each scholarship courtesy of Helicopter Association International. Attendance at HAI HELI-EXPO® affords the scholarship winner the opportunity to attend the Maintenance Technician Mentoring Panel and the Industry Outreach to Students Mentoring Panel, as well as attend the Career Fair, and the opportunity to meet and talk with helicopter professionals from around the world.

Please Note: Winners will be required to provide a name and phone number for a point of contact at the school, and an address to which the letter confirming the intent to remit funds may be sent upon award of certificate. Winners will be required to complete their training and receive their rating within one year of date of acceptance and abide by all scholarship rules.

Application:

Download the Application (PDF)

Website:

Helicopter Foundation International

History:

Founded in 1983 and based in Alexandria, VA, Helicopter Foundation International (HFI) is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of helicopter aviation, improving its safety, and educating the next generation. HFI annually offers up to 19 scholarships to help support students studying to become part of tomorrow’s vertical aviation industry.