Flying Scholarships, Sponsorships, and Bursaries

How to Get a Pilot's Licence More Cheaply or for Free

Apr 20, 2009

Learning to fly and gaining pilot's qualifications is expensive. But it can be made cheaper. There are a number of scholarships, sponsorships, & bursaries to apply for.

Help with the costs of learning to fly or obtaining advanced pilot’s qualifications is available in all countries. One would expect competition for these awards to be fierce, but it is regularly reported that there are not that many applications. So it is worth giving it a go. In the words of the UK National Lottery, "You’ve got to be in it to win it".

It is not possible to give a list of all the flying scholarships, sponsorships, and bursaries presently available. They change from time to time, and most countries will have their own. It is therefore best to do an internet search, and contact all the main flying organisations in one’s own country, plus checking the aviation magazines, so see what is available.

Planning in Advance to do the Flying Training

Once the potential flying student knows which scholarship he or she wants to apply for, he should plan ahead as far as possible. It is no use winning a scholarship if you will be off on a world tour at the time the training is due to start. If the scholarship is run by a particular organisation, it may be a good idea to join them in some capacity.

This will show that you are willing to put something back. Then the student should think what he can do to demonstrate his enthusiasm for flight. This could involve joining a local flying or gliding club, even if he cannot afford to fly…help is always needed by such organisation. If there are entry criteria for his chosen award, the potential student should do what he can to meet those criteria.

Filling in the Application Form for a Flying Scholarship or Bursary

The potential student should take his time when filling out the application form for a scholarship or bursary, as this will form the first impression received by the judges. He should read the form carefully and ensure he has provided all the information required. However, do not invent or embellish anything; it is sure to be found out at the interview, if not before!

The Flight Scholarship Interview

If the student reaches the interview stage, he or she is in with a good chance! At this point pay especial attention to preparation. It is important to take care with one’s personal appearance, as interviewers are often senior figures in aviation who appreciate smartness. So the potential student should take care with his hair, dress conservatively, and arrive in plenty of time, since such people are also likely to consider punctuality to be important.

Once in the interview room, the student should try to relax. He should be honest, but try to make it clear that he is enthusiastic about flying. If asked to talk about himself, he should be ready to explain all that he has done in the aviation world – from reading to voluntary work to joining relevant associations and clubs.

Finally, if he does not succeed at the first attempt, it is always worth the potential student trying again. Future employers will think more of someone who shows perseverance in pursuing his or her dreams, and drive and ambition are always appreciated in the world of aviation. So the very best of luck….

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The copyright of the article Flying Scholarships, Sponsorships, and Bursaries in Aviation is owned by Helen Krasner. Permission to republish Flying Scholarships, Sponsorships, and Bursaries in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.