What's going on with the GAPAN scholarship?
Rotorthruster,
I still understand where you are coming from. But I think that you are still confused over exactly what a scholarship entails. It isn't a bursary or charity; ie it is not there just for the 'needy'. It is intended to be awarded to the strongest candidate, regardless of background.
hands_on123,
FYI, but it is my understanding that the PPL scholarship winner who works at AgustaWestland is planning on progressing to CPL(H) at some point in the near(ish) future. I've no idea what the FISO at Fairoaks is planning to do but that is potentially 3 out of 3 who intended to take their licences to a commercial level.
And why exactly is that a 'danger'? 
The board are looking for people who can demonstrate a commitment to aviation and, just importantly, who can demonstrate the attributes and abilities that are necessary to instruct. These are all elements that can often be demonstrated by "people who are good at interviews and who are good at public speaking/presenting, and who are already "all-round high achieving" types".
I still understand where you are coming from. But I think that you are still confused over exactly what a scholarship entails. It isn't a bursary or charity; ie it is not there just for the 'needy'. It is intended to be awarded to the strongest candidate, regardless of background.
hands_on123,
The board are looking for people who can demonstrate a commitment to aviation and, just importantly, who can demonstrate the attributes and abilities that are necessary to instruct. These are all elements that can often be demonstrated by "people who are good at interviews and who are good at public speaking/presenting, and who are already "all-round high achieving" types".
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Scholarships
A big thanks for the various views offered and may I add something further.
Yes ... I totally accept that a GAPAN 'further training' award SHOULD go to the strongest candidate regardless of finance, but just to note that for the Dennis Kenyon Junior scholarship, my original and very personal view was that our award would be made following a shortlist and interview and then decided on purely financial and personal grounds. I'd have to say that having listened to the various views here and less recently from other aviation colleagues, I am coming to the conclusion that our scholarship committee might well be asked to take a different view during the selection process.
The problem is of course finance and in earlier years and with significant support from several sponsors, I have been able to secure the £12,000 to £15,000 each year to partly cover the private rotary licence, but as much as I would wish to do so, trying for the £50k plus CPL(H) cost has been absolutely out of the question.
I need to thank PACO for his kind offer of support and since funding has become so much more difficult, perhaps we can talk again ... and if there are any suggestions out there as to where we might take the DK scholarship, I'm listening.
In semi-retirement, I want to keep our scholarship going and am hoping a major sponsor who could easiy cover the full PPL cost, will become involved.
As an example, I've been looking at the possibility of a 'Helicopter X factor' style competition, hoping for a 'nod' from Mr SC such that the whole selection process, short-listed interviews, presentations, and flying aptitude tests could be conducted over a single 'boot camp' weekend. I have an offer of a suitable hangar at Shoreham for the chosen weekend, I just need 50 hours of helicopter time and an offer of fuel and landing fees, I have several offers from FIs. Perhaps the idea would attract a TV company?
Finally, to respond to others. Thanks Redwolf, it is good to read you are making progress. And for 'Hands-On' ... just to confirm our three award winners ARE working in the industry with plans to progress. And for my dear and highly respected friend FL ... the DK scholarship selection committee have previously ruled out existing licence holders ... say airline pilots since .... even at the lower end of their known salary scales, incomes are invariably miles ahead of those of our candidates. In view of what is being written here, I feel that situation should be reviewed as above.
On a personal basis FL, I guess I am keeping a lower profile since I'm still smarting and embarassed by my SLC lapse and find it difficult to go public on the safety issues now.
Safe and fun flying to all. Dennis Kenyon.
Yes ... I totally accept that a GAPAN 'further training' award SHOULD go to the strongest candidate regardless of finance, but just to note that for the Dennis Kenyon Junior scholarship, my original and very personal view was that our award would be made following a shortlist and interview and then decided on purely financial and personal grounds. I'd have to say that having listened to the various views here and less recently from other aviation colleagues, I am coming to the conclusion that our scholarship committee might well be asked to take a different view during the selection process.
The problem is of course finance and in earlier years and with significant support from several sponsors, I have been able to secure the £12,000 to £15,000 each year to partly cover the private rotary licence, but as much as I would wish to do so, trying for the £50k plus CPL(H) cost has been absolutely out of the question.
I need to thank PACO for his kind offer of support and since funding has become so much more difficult, perhaps we can talk again ... and if there are any suggestions out there as to where we might take the DK scholarship, I'm listening.
In semi-retirement, I want to keep our scholarship going and am hoping a major sponsor who could easiy cover the full PPL cost, will become involved.
As an example, I've been looking at the possibility of a 'Helicopter X factor' style competition, hoping for a 'nod' from Mr SC such that the whole selection process, short-listed interviews, presentations, and flying aptitude tests could be conducted over a single 'boot camp' weekend. I have an offer of a suitable hangar at Shoreham for the chosen weekend, I just need 50 hours of helicopter time and an offer of fuel and landing fees, I have several offers from FIs. Perhaps the idea would attract a TV company?
Finally, to respond to others. Thanks Redwolf, it is good to read you are making progress. And for 'Hands-On' ... just to confirm our three award winners ARE working in the industry with plans to progress. And for my dear and highly respected friend FL ... the DK scholarship selection committee have previously ruled out existing licence holders ... say airline pilots since .... even at the lower end of their known salary scales, incomes are invariably miles ahead of those of our candidates. In view of what is being written here, I feel that situation should be reviewed as above.
On a personal basis FL, I guess I am keeping a lower profile since I'm still smarting and embarassed by my SLC lapse and find it difficult to go public on the safety issues now.
Safe and fun flying to all. Dennis Kenyon.
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I have been able to secure the £12,000 to £15,000 each year to partly cover the private rotary licence, but as much as I would wish to do so, trying for the £50k plus CPL(H) cost has been absolutely out of the question.
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Hands on123
That would depend on whether you're looking at zero-to-CPL or a candidate who already meets all the pre-requisites of the CPL course (including ground school), and just needs to do the 35 hours + test. Given DK's target market, I'm guessing it would be more realistic to expect to have to fund candidates from zero to CPL.
A PPL course is 45 hours, a CPL 35 hours, so a CPL Sponsorship should be cheaper.
