In answer to the Helicopter Industry's need for qualified Pilots, and in an effort to attract new talent to the industry, the Helicopter Foundation International is sponsoring Four Commercial Helicopter Pilot Scholarships.

The HFI Board of Directors has appointed a Selection Committee to select the scholarship winners.

Up to four (4) Scholarships of $5,000 each may be awarded.

Deadline for submitting an application is December 31, 2010. Scholarships will be awarded in March 2011.

Scholarship monies will be paid directly to the school upon award of commercial helicopter certificate.

Please answer questions completely. The application must be typed or legibly handwritten and all the questions must be answered. Incomplete application packages will be rejected.

Neatness, completeness and accuracy do count. Additional pages requested must be supplied.

An electronic form of the application is preferred. Please e-mail to [email protected]

If mailed, all applications must be postmarked by December 31, 2010, and received at HFI by January 10, 2010. Mail to HFI Scholarships, 1635

• Must be enrolled and attending an FAA Part 141 or International Equivalent certified program. See HFI website at http://www.helicopterfoundation.org/ or call 703-302-8444;
• Proof of enrollment in the helicopter training program;
• A clear copy of any and all FAA or International Equivalent Certificate(s);
•  A current resume;
• Three current letters of recommendation from individuals such as employers, flight instructors, or others within the industry who can attest to your background, training and experience as it relates to the aviation industry.
• Two references (e.g., employers, professional or community organizations);
• A summary of 300 words or more describing why you want to be a Helicopter Pilot;
•  A letter from your school certifying that they are an FAA certified Part 141 school or international equivalent.
• International applicants must also provide proof of foreign citizenship.

Winners will be notified by phone and/or by mail, and they (or their representative) will be encouraged to attend Helicopter Association International's HELI-EXPO 2011 in Orlando, Florida.   A full complimentary registration to HELI-EXPO 2011, as well as dinner for two at the HAI Salute to Excellence Awards Banquet will be donated by HAI to Scholarship Winners. Attendance at HELI-EXPO affords the scholarship winner the opportunity to attend the Helicopter Pilots Mentoring Panel and the Industry Outreach to Students Mentoring Panel, as well as the opportunity to meet and talk with helicopter professionals from around the world.

Winners will be required to provide a contact name and phone number for the school, and an address to which the letter confirming the intent to remit funds may be sent upon award of certificate. Winner will be required to initiate the scholarship within one year of date of application and abide by all scholarship rules.  Any unused portion of scholarshp money must be sent directly back to HFI. The application must bear an original signature, be submitted by mail, postmarked no later than December 31, 2010 to the address below. International applications must be postmarked by December 31, and received at HFI by January 10, 2011.

This scholarship, funded by the HFI and supporting organizations and individuals, provides $5,000 to assist a candidate, who currently holds a private helicopter pilot license to obtain a commercial helicopter rating. A primary determinant will be evidence of the applicant's skill and ability to be a commercial helicopter pilot and interest in pursuing a career as a pilot in the helicopter industry.
  
Scholarship winners are responsible for their own transportation, and ancillary expenses.

Only applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, as determined by the HFI Scholarship Selection Committee, will be considered.

A complimentary one-year HAI membership and a complimentary Full Registration to HELI-EXPO 2011, for Scholarship Winner and guest, including dinner for two at the HAI Salute to Excellence Awards Banquet will be awarded with each scholarship courtesy of Helicopter Association International.

Scholarship monies will be paid directly to the school upon award of a commercial helicopter pilot certificate to student. Written notification with a copy of the certificate must be sent to HFI at 1635 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.