— Text provided by COPA

Imagining yourself flying an aircraft or a drone but feel like it’s out of reach? The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) is offering three scholarships (total of 7 awards) valued at nearly $25,000 to help Canadians pursue their dreams for flight.

$14,000 scholarship to put toward your dream to fly!
Through COPA’s Neil J. Armstrong Ab-Initio Scholarship, one worthy applicant between the ag-es of 16 and 21 will be given the opportunity to earn their Private Pilot Licence (PPL). COPA will cover the cost of the online ground school which provides the theoretical lessons for safe flying as well as contribute toward instructor-led flight training hours to help the recipient practice and master their new skills.

This longstanding scholarship was created in honour of Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame induc-tee and COPA past President, Neil J. Armstrong. COPA will provide up to $14,000 to support the successful applicant in pursuing their PPL (see guidelines for conditions).

Already a private pilot and would like to advance your flight training?
The COPA Advanced Flight Training Scholarship supports COPA members interested in pursuing advanced licences (Commercial Pilot license) or ratings (IFR, multi, float, night, etc.). Through the generous contributions of the former WestJet Pilot Association, this new scholarship helps to remove financial obstacles for COPA members with big flying goals. There are three (3) awards available, valued at $2,500 each.

To qualify, applicants must be 18 years of age or older and have their PPL.

Fly toward an interesting new career or hobby with a COPA RPAS scholarship
Did you know that remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), aka drones, have many uses? They can be flown recreationally for racing in tournaments; they can be flown to protect wildlife and assist forest fire fighting services, safeguard the environment, used for photography and so much more!

Through the new COPA RPAS Pilot Scholarship, three (3) COPA members 18 years of age and older will receive training to obtain their Advanced RPAS Certificate to explore the many appli-cations available for drone use in Canada. The scholarship includes ground school, flight review and exam expenses.

Applications Due by March 1, 2022
Whether you’ve always dreamed of becoming a pilot or have goals to soar to new heights, submit your application today by visiting oldcopa.org/copa-scholarships.

Eligibility Criteria
To learn more about eligibility criteria for each individual scholarship, please visit the following webpage: oldcopa.org/copa-scholarships.

(Photo: Adobestock)