Flying scholarships help women soar

AWPA scholarship winners

Four women passionate about pursuing a career in aviation are closer to that dream through financial support from Airservices Australia.

The four pilots have won Airservices-sponsored Australian Women Pilots’ Association (AWPA) flight training scholarships valued at $8000. The winners were announced at the AWPA National Conference Presentation Dinner in Bendigo, Victoria on 29 April.

The scholarships offer flight training opportunities by assisting the women with the costs of gaining proficiency at any level of flying, from the early stages of training through to a commercial pilot’s license.

Airservices Executive General Manager Air Navigation Services Stephen Angus has congratulated the winners on their achievement.

“The scholarships are designed to support the sustainability of the general aviation community and encourage women with an interest in aviation to pursue their flying dreams,” Mr Angus said.

“Previous winners of these scholarships have gone on to accept flying positions in the industry after successfully achieving a commercial pilot license.”

Recipients of the 2017 AWPA and Airservices flight training scholarships are:

  • Mellory Aitken, Atherton QLD. Flight training at North Queensland Aero Club, QLD
  • Emma Blackford, Axedale VIC. Flight training at Bendigo Flying Club, VIC
  • Jade Esler, Jerrabomberra NSW. Flight training at Fly OZ Pty Ltd Cowra, NSW
  • Georgia Rundle, Brighten East VIC. Flight training at Moorabbin Flying Services, VIC

“We’re proud to support the work of the AWPA as they help women learn to fly and we look forward to watching these women make their flying dreams a reality,” Mr Angus said.

The scholarship recipients were chosen from a field of applicants who had demonstrated an aptitude for flying, were a member of AWPA and were at least 15 years of age.

Posted on: May 2, 2017

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