The Rotor Helicopter Association (RHA) is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2025 VAI Commercial Helicopter Pilot Rating Scholarship.
This scholarship is part of the RHA’s ongoing commitment to support aspiring helicopter pilots and maintenance technicians, offering them the financial assistance and opportunities they need to pursue their careers in aviation.
Scholarship Overview
The VAI Commercial Helicopter Pilot Rating Scholarship provides $5,000 towards the cost of obtaining a commercial helicopter rating. Additionally, recipients receive a complimentary full registration to VERTICON, the premier helicopter industry event in Dallas, Texas.
This includes access for the scholarship winner and a guest, although hotel and travel expenses are not covered by the scholarship.
Areas of Support
The RHA offers several scholarships covering a range of aviation-related programs:
- Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Commercial Helicopter Pilot Training
- Helicopter Maintenance Specialization
- Safety in Helicopter Operations
Benefits of the Scholarship
Recipients of the VAI Commercial Helicopter Pilot Rating Scholarship enjoy the following benefits:
- Financial Assistance: A $5,000 award to cover tuition and training costs for obtaining a commercial helicopter rating.
- Event Access: Complimentary full registration to VERTICON for the recipient and a guest, providing unparalleled networking and learning opportunities.
- Professional Growth: Exposure to industry leaders and cutting-edge technologies at VERTICON.
Eligibility Requirements
- Membership: Applicants must be members of VAI. If not already a member, they can join now.
- Licensure: Applicants must hold a private helicopter license.
- Enrollment: Applicants must be enrolled in a commercial helicopter pilot rating program at an FAA-approved Part 141 school or an international equivalent.
- Medical Certification: Applicants must hold at least a second-class or international-equivalent medical certificate.
- Completion Deadline: Scholarship winners must complete their training and receive their commercial helicopter rating within one year from the date of their award. Unclaimed awards after this period will be void.
- Documentation: Payment of the scholarship is conditional on receipt of supporting documentation from the student’s school stating successful completion of required coursework and receipt of an FAA or international-equivalent rating.
Application Process
Interested applicants can apply by visiting the Rotor Helicopter Association’s website at https://rotor.org/members/membership-purchase/?return_to=%2Fvai%2Fcourses%2F73193%2Fassignments%2F13754
The application requires several documents, including:
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Legible copies of all FAA or international-equivalent airman certificates (front and back)
- Pilot logbook (Copy of the last page)
- Copy of the medical certificate, including class and date
- Proof of enrollment from an FAA-approved Part 141 school or international equivalent
- Two letters of recommendation, one from a flight school representative and one from an employer or instructor
Official link: https://www.pathlms.com/vai/courses/73193/assignments/13754
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is November 8, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials well in advance to ensure all documents are reviewed in a timely manner.
Selection Process
The selection process is based on several factors, including the applicant’s passion for helicopters, current skills and training, enrollment in an approved aviation program, and meeting the specific requirements of the scholarship.
The committee looks for candidates who demonstrate integrity, motivation, and a strong commitment to their aviation careers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What does the scholarship cover
The scholarship provides $5,000 towards tuition and training costs for obtaining a commercial helicopter rating. It also includes complimentary full registration to VERTICON for the recipient and a guest.
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What happens if I complete my training before January 1, 2025?
Applicants who expect to receive their commercial ratings before January 1, 2025, are not eligible to apply for this scholarship award.
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