Pilots helping others - GAPAN Scholarship winners announced

[Flying Lawyer]

http://www.gapan.org/images/guild.gif


If you know anyone who would like to become a professional pilot or to add to existing pilot qualifications, and needs financial assistance, you might want to tell them about the GAPAN Scholarships and bursaries.

The Scholarships range from fully-funded PPL courses up to the J N Somers Scholarship mentioned below.

The closing date for most Scholarships is Wednesday 9th April 2008.

More information and downloadable application forms can be obtained by clicking on the GAPAN crest :

http://www.gapan.org/images/guild-crest.gif (http://www.gapan.org/careers/scholarships/schols08.htm)
(http://www.gapan.org/careers/scholarships/schols08.htm)



_______________


2009 J N Somers Scholarship

This Scholarship is for a fully-funded frozen ATPL/ IR,
and includes a JOC/MCC module

Closing date for receipt of applications is the 13th June 2008.
The selection process will be carried out this year, and the lucky winner will begin training in Spring 2009. Further information including a summary of the selection criteria, and a downloadable application form with full details of eligibility, can be found at the link above.

The Scholarship was instigated in 1999. Since then, all 'Somers Scholars' have secured successful flying jobs with airlines soon after completing their training.


More information about the work of the Guild here (http://www.gapan.org/guildinfo/objectives.htm)
and a PPRuNe thread about the social side here (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=249880)


Tudor Owen

[Speedbird715]

Is this relevant to British citizens only? Sounds VERY interesting...


Holger

[slip and turn]

All very laudible I am sure, but we are 18 months after 1st October 2006. Why is there still a maximum age limit of 26 blatantly published in the criteria, Tudor - or are we above or around all that?

[Agaricus bisporus]

S & T,

Wtf???

[slip and turn]

Problem with my question, Agaricus? Or are you so in the dark that no-one told you that we are now all equal / ageism is outlawed?

[Bealzebub]

"Ageism is outlawed" ? If only it were that simple. Read the act, it isn't summed up in those three words.

Section 4 (exemptions from sections 2 & 3) para 29. states that :

Exceptions for positive action
29. —(1) Nothing in Part 2 or 3 shall render unlawful any act done in or in connection with—

(a) affording persons of a particular age or age group access to facilities for training which would help fit them for particular work; or

(b) encouraging persons of a particular age or age group to take advantage of opportunities for doing particular work;

where it reasonably appears to the person doing the act that it prevents or compensates for disadvantages linked to age suffered by persons of that age or age group doing that work or likely to take up that work

[slip and turn]

So we are saying wealth is directly linked to age, now? Whatever next ?

I think a reasonable person of charity might apply a means test, but using age as a proxy for means is not reasonable and propounds the wrong message about whether we as a society are serious about outlawing age discrimination.

I fully understand the sentiments behind the laudible acts which GAPAN is trying to promote, but that's no excuse for not redefining schemes like this to fit with the law. It sends all sorts of confusing messages about what our society really stands for in 2008.

Why not say in the criteria something like:

"Because of the minimum age for CPL applicants of 21 and the need to make the training from PPL to frozen ATPL/IR continous, we can each year only consider applications from those aged 18 or over who will generally be at least 19 when they commence the training.

In addition, the scheme was launched to assist someone each year of otherwise limited means on to the path of achieving their dream of becoming a commercial pilot. The application process will therefore also be means tested in a similar way to applications for local authority funding for university education."

No mention then of a maximum age, and no harm done. The law is about encouraging alternatives to, frankly, lazy outdated stereotyping based on age.

Well that's how I see it, anyway :ok:

PS That "reasonably appears to the person doing the act" phrase is bloody awful English to appear in a law of the land, I grant you :rolleyes: ... does that mean that an unreasonable person merely has to demonstrate that it was reasonable to assume that in his unreasonable state of mind he might be expected to reach the conclusion he did and is therefore not guilty, M'lud??

[Flying Lawyer]

So we are saying wealth is directly linked to age, now?
No, we're saying that Mrs Phylis Somers, who generously instigated the Scolarship in 1999 in memory of her late husband, wishes to finance one youngster each year who might not otherwise be able to fullfil his or her ambition to become a professional pilot.
The Scholarship is administered by the Guild of Air Pilots, of which her late husband was a member from 1946 until his death.

In recent times, Parliament has brought in more and more laws restricting our freedoms and controlling the way we live, some might say far too many. It would be a great pity IMHO if political ideology led to making it illegal for charitable people to give youngsters (specifically) a start in life.

I'm just happy that some talented youngster benefits each year.
So far, each Somers winner has found employment with an airline very quickly after successfully completing his or her course.

NB:
Whilst the Somers is undoubtedly the top prize, the Guild's other Scholarships, ranging from fully-funded PPL courses upwards, have no maximum age restriction.
eg I know of two winners aged respectively 40 and 47. I think, not sure, one or both of them won a Flight Instructor scholarship.
(Nor do the various bursaries have maximum age restrictions.)

.

[slip and turn]

I would respect Mrs Somers views, and I did expect the reasoning might be something like this, Tudor.

Sometimes decisions are difficult, and I would not enjoy having to be the one to suggest to the good lady sponsor that we might need to 'redraft the arrangements'. Surely there are alternatives during this unofficial 'transition' period to overt non-compliance, supported by sentimental reasoning, however much it might tug at the heart?

PS I am as sentimental as they come!

Yet I cannot agree with your suggestion that this is a law too far. The whole of Europe can't be that far wrong, and it's not just Europe either, is it?

[Heliport]

I see no reason to suggest to the sponsor that the terms should be redrafted. I can see why some charitable people wish to help youngsters get started in life, and see nothing wrong with that.
The whole of Europe can't be that far wrong Hmmm! :oh:
If we expand the discussion to include views on laws emanating from Europe, this thread would inevitably end up being moved to Jetblast.

Let's keep it here where it has exposure to professional pilots and others in the aviation industry who, even if they've already achieved their ambitions, may know someone who could benefit from the Guild scholarships.

[slip and turn]

Come on Heli! Didn't you listen to Sarkozy? Together we shall once again shape Europe, but let's be modern about it :p

The old school just need to put their thinking caps on to maintain the real values per ardua ...

[dannyw17]

F.L.,

Does it have to be a UK citizen to apply? Whilst i am from Asia.

[Dani]

Slip and turn, I'm pretty glad you missed the date, because the way you behave in this thread, I'm rather happy that you didn't pass a pilot training.

I hope these honourful guild also verifies the characters of those candidats who apply...

Dani

[172driver]

Slip and turn, I'm pretty glad you missed the date, because the way you behave in this thread, I'm rather happy that you didn't pass a pilot training.

I hope these honourful guild also verifies the characters of those candidats who apply...

Totally and wholeheartedly agree.

[Flying Lawyer]

Speedbird715 & dannyw17


ELIGIBILITY

Applicants do not have to be British citizens.
Although the Guild is a Livery Company of the City of London, it is an international organisation with members all over the world.
There are active branches in Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong.
Applicants do not have to be UK residents.

However, applicants must be available for interview in London on the date specified in the application form for a particular scholarship.
Applicants for the J N Somers ATPL/IR Scholarship must be available for psychometric tests in London, and pilot aptitude tests and interview held at RAF Cranwell, on the dates specified in the application form.
TRAINING

Training must be at a JAA approved organisation.
That may be in the UK or elsewhere.
Except for the J N Somers ATPL/IR Scholarship, applicants submit their preference.
ATPL/IR training is at the most suitable organisation available world-wide, selected by GAPAN.
To date, winners have trained in the UK, America and Spain.I'm a member of the Guild but I'm not involved in the Scholarships scheme - I simply posted details for information.
Full details of all scholarships, and the applicable eligibility requirements, are downloadable from the link I posted above.
If anyone still has a query after following the link and carefully reading the information published, contact: [email protected]



FL

[driftdown]

If anybody has enough money to sponsor a person for professional training (for any career) then surely it is up to them to specify terms and conditions.

We are not talking of employment (thus involving the ageism issue) just somebody being given the opportunity to be able train and be interviewed as qualified professional. Clearly the requirements for the position applied for, will, determine a candiates suitability.

IMHO the Somers scholarship offers the opportunity for somebody to complete sponsored professional training and begin a career in an industry they may never have been able to consider for financial reasons.

I think Mrs Somers and the scholarship program are to be congratulated. :D

[sensible2k4]

does anyone know when we can expect to hear back about the PPL scholarship?
my letter last year was dated the 26th apr i think, so i'm eagerly waiting on the postman each day :ok:

[BEagle]

Within the next day or so.

[surname icy Jet]

Think its 1st May

[sensible2k4]

thanks, hopefully its better news than last year than last years:(

[sensible2k4]

well got my letter today, and guess what it, was another "sorry you never made the shortlist" letters :{
just wondering, out of the 230 eligible people, how short is the shortlist? :)

Guess i'll just have to keep trying! One day I will be a pilot. :D

[mid_life_pilot]

well got my letter today, and guess what it, was another "sorry you never made the shortlist" letters :{
just wondering, out of the 230 eligible people, how short is the shortlist? :)

Guess i'll just have to keep trying! One day I will be a pilot. :D


ditto :(

i thought there would have been more than 230 odd applying for it, best start working on the application form for 2009 cos with the way price of petrol is going i'll be back to a type writer in a few months!

[Flying Lawyer]

And the winners are ..........





http://www.gapan.org/images/guild.gif





The RAeS Scholarship 2008 for a PPL


Awarded to: Thomas James DeanThomas is currently a student at Loughborough University studying for a Batchelor of Aeronautical Engineering degree. He spent a gap-year between school and university working as a Learning Support Assistant in the school he attended and is part of a saxophone quartet performing on local radio and at charity events (recently released first album!). Thomas is keen to be involved in the future in aviation missionary work. Full marks to Thomas who was (coincidentally) the first person to submit an application for this year’s scholarship round! He is training at RAF Marham Flying School.



The Grayburn Scholarship 2008 for a PPL


Awarded to: Jamie William Townes


Jamie is 24 years old, and left the University of Southampton in 2006 with a Masters degree in Physics. He sees his future in Aviation and has a passion for Aerobatics. A volunteer instructor with 2322(Dowty)Sqn ATC he enjoys the “constant challenge and the opportunity to share his aviation experience with young potential future aviators”; experience gained mainly as a very proactive member of Southampton University Air Squadron. Jamie is now training with Cotswold AeroClub.



The Cadogan Scholarship 2008 for a PPL


Awarded to: Kudzanai Chikohora


Kudzie, 22, has just completed a Masters in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Manchester where he says he was fortunate to be the President of the University Gliding Society, alongside holding down a Design Engineer position with an off-shore oil and gas company in Cumbria. He has taken part in competitive solo Gliding events and his ultimate goal is to become a commercial pilot. We are currently sourcing training for him in the North West.



The E S Hogg Scholarship 2008 for a PPL


Awarded to: Matthew Plumridge


Aged 23, Matthew has always been fascinated by aviation. Joining the ATC at 13 he went solo in a glider aged 16. Financial constraints dictated that he would fly no more for 5 years, until he joined the Army Reserves whilst at University (he is about to complete a BSc in Biochemisty); he is now extremely active at Lasham Gliding Club and has recently won a beginners aerobatic competition at Dunstable. Matthew is enjoying training at Western Air (Thruxton).



The Sir George Gaggero Scholarship 2008 for a PPL


Awarded to: Jennifer Tye

Jen is 20 and currently studying for a Masters Degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Surrey. Her first visit to a flight deck was at 5 years old which fired her enthusiasm for flying causing her to join the ATC at her earliest opportunity and enabling her to solo in a motor glider at 16 year old. She now holds down several part-time jobs alongside her degree course , is a leading light in the university Concorde Restoration Project and is president of the university’s “most improved club” of the year – the Surf and Wake Board Club. Jen is this year’s model “try, try again” student – 3 previous failed attempts led to this year’s success. Jennifer sent an email to the Guild on 1st July to assure us all that she is having a “great time at Blackbushe … even if it does involve early mornings”!


The Joseph Gaggero Scholarship 2008 for a PPL


Awarded to: Antonia White


Antonia is at the end of her second year at Bristol University on a Masters course in Engineering. She had her first flying lesson at 12 years old but finances dictate that a lesson arrived just once a year! She is now an active member of her University Gliding Club. Her hobbies include visiting air shows, and flying flight simulators. Toni is an active worker for charity and has been involved with the Jubilee Sailing Trust and along with other scholarship winners, is a Duke of Edinburgh Award Gold Medallist. She will be spending the summer training for her PPL with RAF Halton Flying Club.



The Sir Sefton Branker Scholarship 2008 for a PPL


Awarded to: Adam James Norris


Adam is the youngest of the award winners for this year and is currently studying for A levels at the Samuel Whitbread Community College. He is a Sergeant in the ATC and has recently gained his bronze Duke of Edinburgh award. His determination to gain his PPL whilst 17 has led him doing as many odd-jobs as he can – as long as it doesn’t take him far from the Shuttleworth Collection. He has already commenced his ground examinations and is undertaking training at RAF Henlow Flying Club.




The Benevolent Fund Scholarship 2008 for a PPL


Awarded to: Susan Jane Tuddenham
Susan is a Core Skills Trainer with the Civil Service. She has always had a dream of flying for a living, and now working has been able to save for flying lessons which this scholarship will help her continue at Wycombe Air Centre. In the past she has helped with the building of an orphanage in Romania and more recently Susan has done a sponsored skydive to raise more funds for the project. As with several of the scholarship winners, this year was not Susan’s first attempt, but it was the year her determination brought her to the attention of the assessors.



The Grand Master’s Scholarship 2008 for a PPL


Awarded to: Raphael Paul Au

Raphael, predicted 5 A grades at A level will be commencing a Masters degree in Aeronautical Engineering at Imperial College, London in the Autumn. Head of House and Head of CCF(RAF) at school, Raphael was awarded best Cadet. He has also gained several national maths and science awards. Raphael will complete his PPL at Tayside Aviation. Raphael states that he is “desperate to become an airline pilot ….. flying is my life!”.


Winners of Bursaries, Jet Orientation Course scholarships and the JN Somers ATPL Scholaraship will be announced later in the year.


FL

[Flying Lawyer]

The Norman Motley Scholarship 2008 for Aeroplane Flight Instructor Rating

Awarded to: Susan Thorne

Susan’s passion and dedication to flying was more than evident at interview and after several phone calls and a few emails; less than 24 hours later she was at Wycombe Air Centre taking her first lesson. Susan can certainly not be accused of letting the grass grow under her feet! In her day job she holds a senior cabin crew position with BA. She obtained her CPL in March this year.




The Benevolent Fund Scholarship 2008 for Aeroplane Flight Instructor Rating

Awarded to: Thomas Griffin

Thomas is currently completing a PhD whilst at Brunel University as a research assistant. Taking every opportunity to fly he has been a civilian instructor with the Air Cadets organisation, flown with the University Air Squadron and loves nothing better than passing on his enthusiasm for flying to others. He gained his CPL in 2007 and is about to start his instructor rating at West London Aero Club.



Weetabix Helicopter Flight Instructor Rating Scholarship 2008

Awarded to: John Bernard Stone

John is a State Registered Paramedic with East of England Ambulance Trust, an Ambulance Service Instructor and an Air Ambulance Instructor who gained his ATPL(H) in 2003. His passion for all things aeronautical started on a visit to Farnborough aged 6 followed by his first rotary flight aged 14. Along with holding gliding licences he now wants the “opportunity to develop …. and pass on my passion and energy for flying to aspiring aviators”. John is training with Helicopter Services at Wycombe Air Park.



Winners of Bursaries, Jet Orientation Course scholarships and the JN Somers ATPL Scholarship will be announced later in the year.


FL