Helicopter Association International (HAI) Opens Applications for 2023 Scholarships

HAI offers aviation industry scholarships for aviation maintenance, commercial helicopter pilots, and pilot safety. Select scholarships include stipends. 

“Paying for schools, books, flight time, or tools is one of the toughest parts of our industry,” Greg Brown, HAI’s director of education and training services, said in a statement. “HAI’s scholarship program is one option to help people in our industry, whether you’re just entering the incredible field of rotorcraft or advancing to the next stage of your career.”

There are four scholarships available for 2023.

Commercial Helicopter Pilot Rating Scholarship: This is designed to assist private helicopter pilots to continue their training in attaining a commercial helicopter rating. Up to two scholarships are available at $5,000 each. 

Recipients of the scholarships will also receive tickets to the HAI HELI-EXPO in Atlanta, Georgia on March 6–9, 2023

Michelle North Scholarship for Safety: This award was founded in memory of Michelle North, a long time advocate for aviation safety, and to encourage a strong focus on best safety practices during helicopter training and education. 

Eligible applicants must hold a current commercial helicopter rating and demonstrate high aptitude for the best safety practice while flying. The scholarship pays the registration fee for the recipient to attend a safety management system (SMS) course as well as awards hotel accommodations and tickets to the HELI-EXPO 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Bill Sanderson Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Scholarship: Sanderson was a longtime industry director and advocate for AMT programs, The award provides full tuition to complete a maintenance course from a selection of courses from specific airframe and powerplant manufacturers. The scholarship also includes a $1,600 living stipend. Up to seven scholarships are available. 

The following manufacturers are participating in the program this year:

Recipients of the scholarships will also receive tickets to the 2023 HAI HELI-EXPO.

Maintenance Technician Certificate Scholarship: This awardis available to two recipients who are enrolled in programs to become aviation maintenance technicians. The scholarship awards $2,500 to each recipient.

Recipients of the scholarships will also receive tickets to the HAI HELI-EXPO in Atlanta, Georgia, March 6–9, 2023

Applications for all scholarships are due by Oct. 14, 2022.

If you are not a member and would like more information please visit HAI.