Maintenance Technician Certificate Scholarship

In answer to the helicopter industry’s need for qualified helicopter maintenance technicians and in an effort to attract new talent to the industry, Helicopter Foundation International (HFI) is inviting deserving students to apply for a Maintenance Technician Certificate Scholarship.

HFI’s Maintenance Technician Certificate Scholarship will only be awarded to candidates pursuing an Airframe (A), Powerplant (P), or both Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license or the international equivalent. This scholarship, funded by the HFI and supporting organizations, provides up to $2,500 to assist a candidate pursuing an A, P, or A&P, or the international equivalent aircraft maintenance technician certification. A primary determinant will be evidence of the applicant's interest and determination to work in the helicopter industry.

The HFI Board of Directors has appointed a selection committee to choose the scholarship winners. HFI will accept applications for this scholarship beginning September 1, 2015. The deadline for submitting applications is 11:59 pm, November 30, 2015. Scholarship winners will be notified in January 2016. Only applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, as determined by the HFI scholarship selection committee, will be considered.

Applicants who expect to receive their Maintenance Technician Certificate prior to January 1, 2016, are not eligible to apply for or to receive this award.

The application must be typed or legibly handwritten. All questions must be completely answered. Incomplete application packages will be rejected. Neatness, completeness, and accuracy do count. If additional pages are requested, they must be supplied. An electronic form of the application is preferred. Please e-mail to [email protected]. If mailed, mail to HFI Scholarships, 1920 Ballenger Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314-2898. Submissions must include —

  • A completed application
  • Proof of enrollment in a certified FAA Part 147 or international equivalent Maintenance Technician Certificate training program
  • A clear copy of any and all FAA or international equivalent certificates
  • A current resume
  • Three current letters of recommendation from individuals such as employers, instructors, or others within the industry that 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 maintenance technician
  • International applicants must also provide proof of foreign citizenship

Winners will be notified by phone and by mail, and they (or their representative) will be encouraged to attend HAI HELI-EXPO 2016, February 29-March 3, in Louisville, Kentucky. A complimentary one-year HAI membership and full registration to HAI HELI-EXPO 2016 for scholarship winner and their guest including dinner for two at the HAI Salute to Excellence Awards will be awarded with each scholarship courtesy of Helicopter Association International. Attendance at HAI HELI-EXPO® affords the scholarship winner the opportunity to attend the Maintenance Technician Mentoring Panel and the Industry Outreach to Students Mentoring Panel, as well as attend the Career Fair, and the opportunity to meet and talk with helicopter professionals from around the world.

Payment of scholarship monies is conditional upon receipt of supporting documentation from the attended school that the student has successfully completed the required coursework offered by an FAA Part 147 AMT program. Also, the student is required to provide a copy of the FAA certificate as an Airframe (A), Powerplant (P), or A&P mechanic; or the international equivalent. If the school has not been compensated by the student, HFI will make payment to the institution on behalf of the student, up to the maximum limit of the scholarship awarded.

In the event that the student was previously invoiced by the school and has completely paid in advance, HFI will reimburse the student directly, up to the maximum limit of the scholarship awarded. Scholarship funds will only be applied to tuition costs. Scholarship winners are responsible for their own transportation and ancillary expenses (books, meals, tools, lodging). Any unused portion of scholarship money must be sent directly back to HFI. 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 the certificate. Winners will be required to complete their training and receive their certificate within 19 months of date of notification, and abide by all scholarship rules.

Scholarship monies will be paid upon award of a Permanent FAA Maintenance Technician Certificate or international equivalent. Written notification of the FAA certificate or international equivalent, along with a copy of the certificate, must be sent to HFI at 1920 Ballenger Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314-2898.