Seeking a scholarship Finding funding for aviation training is no easy game By Alison Field, nextGen member If you are interested in a career in aviation, funding your training will be a big consideration. To help with the costs, one such option is to apply for – and be awarded – a scholarship. Luckily, more options are becoming available to a wider range of candidates, including those with little to no experience. Scholarship applications are available at various points in the year, and can be found through organisations such as the Air League, British Women Pilots’ Association (BWPA), RAF Association, and the Honourable Company of Air Pilots. Awards can range from a few paid flying hours and help towards ground school exams, to adding further ratings to your current licence. Understanding the system Since I began my journey, I’ve sought advice both from pilots already working in the industry and past scholarship winners, to gain an understanding of what they are looking for. By attending careers events, visiting air shows, volunteering, becoming a member of aviation organisations and surrounding myself with people who have a similar interest, I’ve found the common theme has been a resounding and genuine enthusiasm for flying. As a student pilot, I have been researching and applying for scholarships to help ease the financial costs of flying. These are usually found through aviation websites such as Pilot Career News and promoted on social media, so it’s a great idea to follow as many people in the industry as possible. The applications usually involve answering a number of key questions such as why you want to be a pilot and what you have done so far to achieve this goal. This may be followed by an interview selection before the final award is announced. You can apply for several scholarships at the same time. Competition is high, especially for private pilot licence (PPL) awards, and it can be challenging to deal with the knockbacks from unsuccessful applications. It is important to keep evolving, asking for feedback, and trying new ways of answering questions to try to attract interest. Resilience and motivation I am yet to receive an award and have experienced first-hand how tough the process can be; however, this experience has made me more determined. I can be confident when I say that having the resilience and motivation to keep applying is definitely required. Finally, being realistic and having passion is crucial for entering a notoriously expensive – albeit rewarding – career. It is one you need to sink your whole heart into, and continue to believe that one day, that dream may just become a reality. TAILWIND Seeking a By Alison Field, nextGen member TAILWIND Seeking a scholarship By Alison Field, nextGen member TAILWIND Seeking a scholarship Finding funding for aviation training is no easy game By Alison Field, nextGen member TAILWIND