Helicopter Foundation International (HFI) announced 18 scholarship recipients as part of its mission to advance the next generation of helicopter professionals. The scholarships are worth approximately $30,000 and range across various industry careers.
Six scholarships are directed toward helicopter maintenance technician programs, four are for pilots earning their commercial helicopter certificates, one is for safety professionals, and seven are for established maintenance professionals training on specific helicopters or components. Manufacturers participating in the program include Airbus Helicopters, Honeywell, Leonardo, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Safran Helicopter Engines, MD Helicopters, and Rolls-Royce.
“We are aware of the financial commitment undertaken by students in our profession,” said HFI vice president Allison McKay. “Through our scholarship program, we help to offset this burden and allow the students to focus on continuing their education. We offer our congratulations to this year’s participants.”
The four recipients of the $5,000 scholarships are students earning their commercial helicopter certificates: Carl Bloecher of Arlington, Virginia; Bastian Ebersbach of Hillsboro, Oregon; Troy Goldberg of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; and Rebecca Voltin of Lyons, Oregon.
“We encourage students around the world to pursue their dreams of flying and maintaining helicopters. The application process for the 2019 scholarships begins in September, and interested students can find more information our website,” said McKay.
HFI also awarded up to six $2,500 scholarships to maintenance technician program students. The recipients included Isiah Crawford of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Derek Galla of Holland, Ohio; Kristie McLean of Las Vegas; Austin Rowles of Fort Worth, Texas; Michael Stickland of Carmanville, Newfoundland (Canada); and Matthew Vig of Opal, South Dakota.
The recipient of the Michelle North Scholarship for Safety is awarded to Michelle Payne. She will receive full tuition to the HFI Safety Management program at Heli-Expo. Additionally, the Bill Sanderson Aviation Maintenance Scholarships offer stipends of up to $1,600 to attend airframe or equipment-specific training courses.