FREE Helicopter Instructor Rating >>> 2008 Winner announced!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: London
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
FREE Helicopter Instructor Rating >>> 2008 Winner announced!
The Guild makes a number of scholarships available to people who would like to become pilots or to further their qualifications as pilots.
Flight Instructor (R) (Helicopter) Scholarship
Further information:
FI(R)(Helicopters) Scholarship (incl downloadable application form)
Several Ppruners have been awarded various GAPAN scholarships in previous years. This particular scholarship has been won by regular posters on this forum for at least the last 3 years.
Give it a go.
Last year, there were only 12 compliant applications for this scholarship. (Compliant = applicants who met the requirements set out in the scholarhsip application forms.)
There's nothing to lose but the cost of a stamp, and this year's winner could be YOU!
Good luck.
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: South east England
Age: 53
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This is a genuine "Free" offer. I can say this because i won it last year.
I would like to give a little bit of advice and insight into the process.
First of all have a look at the some of the other threads that have been posted on here over the last couple of years. There is a wealth of information from past winners and applicants.
Next download the application form and have a look at what is required.
http://www.gapan.org/careers/scholar...H_R%202007.pdf
Basically you will need to have done 250 hours helicopter time but if you are a little short of that time say so! I was about 13 hours short at the time of sending in the application but knew that i would be up to or just past the required hours by the time of the interview (You need to be at the required hours at the start of your course)
PRE--ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
(a) Completed at least 250 hours of flight time of which not less than 100 hours shall be pilot-in-command
(PIC) if holding an ATPL(H) or CPL(H), or 150 hours PIC, if holding a PPL(H).
(b) Have met the knowledge requirements for a CPL(H) as set out in AMC FCL 1.470(b)
(c) Completed at least 30 hours on single-engine helicopters of which at least five hours shall
have been completed during the six months preceding the pre-entry flight test set out at (f) below;
(d) Received at least 10 hours instrument flight instruction of which not more than five hours may be
instrument ground time in a flight simulator or FNPT;
(e) Completed at least 20 hours of cross-country flight as PIC: and
(f) Passed a specific pre-entry flight test with an FI qualified in accordance with JAR-FCL 2.330(f) for this
purpose, based upon the proficiency check as set out in JAR-FCL 2.240(b) within the six months
preceding the start of the course. The flight test will assess the suitability of the applicant to undertake
the course.
Fill out the application neatly and carefully. I did mine 3 times before finally getting it neat, tidy and error free! (I get my worms mixed up!).
You will need to think carefully about where you want to train if you was to be sucessful with your application. You need to nominate 2 venues. I did mine at Wycombe Air Park and can thoroughly endorse the instructors and the course. The staff are very friendly and bend over backwards to help you with accomadation and wellbeing.
I got a couple of references, one of which was non aviation related but was teaching related and included them with my application. Dont hang around and get it sent off in plenty of time.
If you are called for interview..............................
What are the Guild looking for in you???
"They want to see someone who's capable of passing the course, but more importantly someone who is committed to a career in helicopters which includes instructing. Since the FI rating formed a major part of my career plan for flying, I was able to present myself as such. If you just want to take the money, build the hours then run off to the North Sea, you might not get too far." (Previous winner of the FI (R) Scholarship)
"I put it accross that i have a love of flying and teaching and always wanted to combine the 2 and have been building towards the FI rating. I have no intention of flying off-shore and would love to fly from my local airfield and teach as a career. I have connections with the Air Training corps and would love to give something back to the Corps that gave me so much when i was younger. (The Guild also gives Flying scholarships to Young Cadets)"
When you are called in for interview there will be 3 people interviewing you. It will last approx 45 mins.
You will need to perform a short 10 minute talk about a subject of your choice! It does not have to be aviation related! I spoke about the physiology of respiration in the human body and the means to oxygenate the brain by alternative methods. A subject that i have confidence in teaching being a trauma Care instructor! What they want to see is that you can get your information accross and that you can be confident in your talking! You can use props if you want and take with you what you feel you will need! It is informal and relaxed so just be yourself.
They will ask you about what you have done in the past (From the info on your application) and what you hope to do in the future. they will ask you what you know about the guild and how you found out.
YOU MUST BE ABLE TO COMPLETE THE FI TRAINING BY THE END OF THE YEAR! If you cannot get the time to do the course which will be from 4 to 8 weeks then you should not apply.
When you have finished you will go home and continue with your life and await the phone call in the next few weeks. If you win then you will have saved a fortune, if not then you have met some great people who will be there next year when you apply again.
This from a previous winner.....
Training Course and Test
"I did my course at Helicopter Services, High Wycombe, partly for geographical reasons, mostly because Mike Green was running the course.
Others may fly elsewhere, but I think it says something that for the past three years, the winners of the award have all done their course there.
I also flew once with Leon Smith - I'd like to know how many other instructor students he tells about his first experience with a sheep in a field near Aylesbury!"
"I found that on top of the course pressures, I also self-induced pressure because of the sponsorship in that I didn't want to make an arse of myself by failing the test after having had so much confidence placed in my by complete strangers based on a 45 minute interview. So, 1st September saw me pass the flight test, and yet another bottle (or was it two) of bubbly.
Incidentally the way it works with paying is that the school invoices GAPAN directly – you never see a bill."
"If you do go over the 30 hours, then do play fair and pay up without GAPAN having to ask. After all, for you to pay 0.5 or 1.0 compared to 30.0 is quite a significant saving!"
.................
I loved the FI course, I learned so much more about flying and improved my own skills. You get to fly with and meet some of the legends of the UK helicopter scene.
Later in the year you will be asked to attend the presentation ceremony of your FI scholarship at the Guild in London. Its very formal and very interesting. After the awards have been presented you will have a chance to mix with the highest people in the UK aviation industry. You will talk to the winners of other scholarships and bursaries and hear their stories and experiences of flying up to date. You will pick up on the energy that comes from a pure love of flying and everything aviation. There will be a lot of people who post on Pprune under various disguises who will offer you advice and help in the future. I am finally getting round to joining the guild, its worth it!
To close...
You have nothing to lose and loads to gain and its only going to take a few hours or writing, a few hours of research and a day out of your life to apply so do it!
Hope this helps anyone thinking or applying.
Flash
PS I will do my best to answer any questions that you may want to ask!
I would like to give a little bit of advice and insight into the process.
First of all have a look at the some of the other threads that have been posted on here over the last couple of years. There is a wealth of information from past winners and applicants.
Next download the application form and have a look at what is required.
http://www.gapan.org/careers/scholar...H_R%202007.pdf
Basically you will need to have done 250 hours helicopter time but if you are a little short of that time say so! I was about 13 hours short at the time of sending in the application but knew that i would be up to or just past the required hours by the time of the interview (You need to be at the required hours at the start of your course)
PRE--ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
(a) Completed at least 250 hours of flight time of which not less than 100 hours shall be pilot-in-command
(PIC) if holding an ATPL(H) or CPL(H), or 150 hours PIC, if holding a PPL(H).
(b) Have met the knowledge requirements for a CPL(H) as set out in AMC FCL 1.470(b)
(c) Completed at least 30 hours on single-engine helicopters of which at least five hours shall
have been completed during the six months preceding the pre-entry flight test set out at (f) below;
(d) Received at least 10 hours instrument flight instruction of which not more than five hours may be
instrument ground time in a flight simulator or FNPT;
(e) Completed at least 20 hours of cross-country flight as PIC: and
(f) Passed a specific pre-entry flight test with an FI qualified in accordance with JAR-FCL 2.330(f) for this
purpose, based upon the proficiency check as set out in JAR-FCL 2.240(b) within the six months
preceding the start of the course. The flight test will assess the suitability of the applicant to undertake
the course.
Fill out the application neatly and carefully. I did mine 3 times before finally getting it neat, tidy and error free! (I get my worms mixed up!).
You will need to think carefully about where you want to train if you was to be sucessful with your application. You need to nominate 2 venues. I did mine at Wycombe Air Park and can thoroughly endorse the instructors and the course. The staff are very friendly and bend over backwards to help you with accomadation and wellbeing.
I got a couple of references, one of which was non aviation related but was teaching related and included them with my application. Dont hang around and get it sent off in plenty of time.
If you are called for interview..............................
What are the Guild looking for in you???
"They want to see someone who's capable of passing the course, but more importantly someone who is committed to a career in helicopters which includes instructing. Since the FI rating formed a major part of my career plan for flying, I was able to present myself as such. If you just want to take the money, build the hours then run off to the North Sea, you might not get too far." (Previous winner of the FI (R) Scholarship)
"I put it accross that i have a love of flying and teaching and always wanted to combine the 2 and have been building towards the FI rating. I have no intention of flying off-shore and would love to fly from my local airfield and teach as a career. I have connections with the Air Training corps and would love to give something back to the Corps that gave me so much when i was younger. (The Guild also gives Flying scholarships to Young Cadets)"
When you are called in for interview there will be 3 people interviewing you. It will last approx 45 mins.
You will need to perform a short 10 minute talk about a subject of your choice! It does not have to be aviation related! I spoke about the physiology of respiration in the human body and the means to oxygenate the brain by alternative methods. A subject that i have confidence in teaching being a trauma Care instructor! What they want to see is that you can get your information accross and that you can be confident in your talking! You can use props if you want and take with you what you feel you will need! It is informal and relaxed so just be yourself.
They will ask you about what you have done in the past (From the info on your application) and what you hope to do in the future. they will ask you what you know about the guild and how you found out.
YOU MUST BE ABLE TO COMPLETE THE FI TRAINING BY THE END OF THE YEAR! If you cannot get the time to do the course which will be from 4 to 8 weeks then you should not apply.
When you have finished you will go home and continue with your life and await the phone call in the next few weeks. If you win then you will have saved a fortune, if not then you have met some great people who will be there next year when you apply again.
This from a previous winner.....
Training Course and Test
"I did my course at Helicopter Services, High Wycombe, partly for geographical reasons, mostly because Mike Green was running the course.
Others may fly elsewhere, but I think it says something that for the past three years, the winners of the award have all done their course there.
I also flew once with Leon Smith - I'd like to know how many other instructor students he tells about his first experience with a sheep in a field near Aylesbury!"
"I found that on top of the course pressures, I also self-induced pressure because of the sponsorship in that I didn't want to make an arse of myself by failing the test after having had so much confidence placed in my by complete strangers based on a 45 minute interview. So, 1st September saw me pass the flight test, and yet another bottle (or was it two) of bubbly.
Incidentally the way it works with paying is that the school invoices GAPAN directly – you never see a bill."
"If you do go over the 30 hours, then do play fair and pay up without GAPAN having to ask. After all, for you to pay 0.5 or 1.0 compared to 30.0 is quite a significant saving!"
.................
I loved the FI course, I learned so much more about flying and improved my own skills. You get to fly with and meet some of the legends of the UK helicopter scene.
Later in the year you will be asked to attend the presentation ceremony of your FI scholarship at the Guild in London. Its very formal and very interesting. After the awards have been presented you will have a chance to mix with the highest people in the UK aviation industry. You will talk to the winners of other scholarships and bursaries and hear their stories and experiences of flying up to date. You will pick up on the energy that comes from a pure love of flying and everything aviation. There will be a lot of people who post on Pprune under various disguises who will offer you advice and help in the future. I am finally getting round to joining the guild, its worth it!
To close...
You have nothing to lose and loads to gain and its only going to take a few hours or writing, a few hours of research and a day out of your life to apply so do it!
Hope this helps anyone thinking or applying.
Flash
PS I will do my best to answer any questions that you may want to ask!
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Whitstable, UK
Age: 53
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nearly... but not quite...
I am nearly there... but not quite... I finish my CPL(H) on February 19th/20th ... (GFT pass dependent)... with 190 hours... getting 60 hours in time would be a challenge... £££ unless I get given loads of work.. or maybe I can cajole many friends to go up the Thames... again ....
arrrh.
arrrh.
As I recall, there's no list of "Guild approved" FTO's - if you're in Scotland, for example, then select from those good FTOs which are closer to you, then the Guild chooses from your selection.
And on the subject of good, I think a certain Wycombe-only based FTO has had the business for quite a few years.
And on the subject of good, I think a certain Wycombe-only based FTO has had the business for quite a few years.
Last edited by The Nr Fairy; 6th Feb 2008 at 14:49.
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: UK, US, now more ɐıןɐɹʇsn∀
Age: 41
Posts: 889
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
GOT,
Whaddya think? It's about 'giving chance to someone who truly wants to pursue instructing career in the UK', innit? :-P
Reading previous posts and GAPAN website should suffice in giving you idea.
Nobody says you can't be German or other EU national living in the UK long-term and applying for it should you meet entry requirements, right?
But applying with stating of living outside UK is a non-starter in my opinion.
Guys mention that rotary FI grants were under-subscribed over past years.
That show that people either work on J1 in the US as CFI/I, aren't confident enough to try the 'luck' or just don't meet requirements having £££ hurdles.
Enjoy
Whaddya think? It's about 'giving chance to someone who truly wants to pursue instructing career in the UK', innit? :-P
Reading previous posts and GAPAN website should suffice in giving you idea.
Nobody says you can't be German or other EU national living in the UK long-term and applying for it should you meet entry requirements, right?
But applying with stating of living outside UK is a non-starter in my opinion.
Guys mention that rotary FI grants were under-subscribed over past years.
That show that people either work on J1 in the US as CFI/I, aren't confident enough to try the 'luck' or just don't meet requirements having £££ hurdles.
Enjoy
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: London
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Deadline for Applications -
Wednesday 9 APRIL
aren't confident enough to try the 'luck'
FL
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: London
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Its a shame its not open to those outside of the country.
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 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 (as are several regulars in this forum) 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 links I posted above.
If anyone still has a query after following the links and carefully reading the information published, contact: [email protected]Full details of all scholarships, and the applicable eligibility requirements, are downloadable from the links I posted above.
FL
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: West Africa
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry, its the must be available in London for the interview that throws me off.
Does this mean the aplicant is going to be flown there for the interview or must make own means?
If its the latter then again it will be difficult for anyone that needs financial help to get to London for an interview and not really open to them.
Thanks
HF
Does this mean the aplicant is going to be flown there for the interview or must make own means?
If its the latter then again it will be difficult for anyone that needs financial help to get to London for an interview and not really open to them.
Thanks
HF
Sorry, its the must be available in London for the interview that throws me off.
Does this mean the aplicant is going to be flown there for the interview or must make own means?
If its the latter then again it will be difficult for anyone that needs financial help to get to London for an interview and not really open to them.
Thanks
HF
Does this mean the aplicant is going to be flown there for the interview or must make own means?
If its the latter then again it will be difficult for anyone that needs financial help to get to London for an interview and not really open to them.
Thanks
HF
You've got to get to London under your own steam, I'm afraid.
The Guild doesn't have the funds to fly in potential interviewees from around the world.
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: South east England
Age: 53
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Helofan,
If it was me I would at least apply and see if they call you for interview. (The cost of postage is all you need) If you dont get called then there is no worries and you can carry on with your life. If they do call you for interview you know that you have a very good chance of gaining £13,000 plus worth of sponsorship which surely must be worth a trip to London. It would certainly show your dedication to a career in aviation.
One of the pilots who won one of the fixed wing scholarships last year had to come all the way down from Scotland and really couldnt afford the trains or the days away from work but he made it down and never regreted it.
We have all had to make sacrifices and cut backs to get to where we are, the odds are against us most of the time (CAA,Money,Medical,Employers) but the GAPAN odds are very favourable so at least send in the paperwork and give it a punt.
Good luck if you do
Flash
If it was me I would at least apply and see if they call you for interview. (The cost of postage is all you need) If you dont get called then there is no worries and you can carry on with your life. If they do call you for interview you know that you have a very good chance of gaining £13,000 plus worth of sponsorship which surely must be worth a trip to London. It would certainly show your dedication to a career in aviation.
One of the pilots who won one of the fixed wing scholarships last year had to come all the way down from Scotland and really couldnt afford the trains or the days away from work but he made it down and never regreted it.
We have all had to make sacrifices and cut backs to get to where we are, the odds are against us most of the time (CAA,Money,Medical,Employers) but the GAPAN odds are very favourable so at least send in the paperwork and give it a punt.
Good luck if you do
Flash
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: London
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
And the Winner is ..........
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.
The winners of Bursaries, Jet Orientation Course scholarships and the JN Somers ATPL Scholarship will be announced later in the year.
FL
Helicopter Flight Instructor Rating Scholarship 2008
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.
The winners of Bursaries, Jet Orientation Course scholarships and the JN Somers ATPL Scholarship will be announced later in the year.
FL
Sorry to sound pedantic, but did he do the ATPL(H) exams or does he actually hold the licence having gained the pre-requisite elements for actual ATPL issue? If the latter is the case, wouldn't it seem a bit unfair to those who are struggling to gain higher qualifications?
Well done anyway. Not often you get something for nothing in aviation.
Well done anyway. Not often you get something for nothing in aviation.