UK flight school Helicentre Aviation Academy has opened a two-week application window for prospective commercial helicopter pilots to apply for a GBP10,000 scholarship to part-fund their place on the 2021 Integrated CPL(H) (Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter) course with ATPL(H)/IR TK (Theoretical Knowledge). The full-time, 12-month course is a fast-track and cost-effective route to becoming a professional helicopter pilot, and it is the only integrated rotary CPL course approved in the UK.

Despite the challenges 2020 has presented, students training on the academy's inaugural course, HC1, completed their flight training before Christmas. Student pilot Rory Auskerry comments: “The course was perfect for me as I was able to throw myself into the flying and theoretical knowledge training as if it were a full-time job. It meant getting through the course in the shortest time possible, with the greatest chance of success.” The class attained an average 90 per cent pass mark for the ATPL(H)/IR theoretical exams, and the academy's training team is delighted with their performance and commitment to the course.

“We're really proud of the students who have all worked exceptionally hard in these unprecedented times,” remarks head of training Sarah Bowen. “To remain focused and motivated and maintain such high standards despite the transition to virtual learning is a fantastic achievement.” The students praised their TK instructors and flight instructors, who brought a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to the training environment.

Applicants for the 2021 intake have a great opportunity to enter a sector of the aviation industry that has not been significantly impacted by COVID-19. Helicopters operating in support of national resilience; offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, onshore utility, police, HEMS and professional training and testing for the crew supply chain itself, have continued flying during the pandemic, and succession planning to secure future flight crew is key in all operations.

Helicentre Aviation began sponsoring commercial pilots and instructors through its scholarship programme back in 2012 and is proud to have continued investing year after year in its home-grown future pilot workforce. This ultimately creates pathways to supply the vast majority of sectors with suitably qualified pilots, meeting crew supply chain demands and creating life-changing aviation careers for many newly qualified helicopter pilots.

The application window for the scholarship closes on Friday 15 January. The form must be completed online at the Helicentre website. No prior helicopter experience is necessary, however some fixed-wing or other aviation experience may be beneficial to support the application. Applicants must be able to obtain a Class One medical, pass selection, and cover the rest of their course fees, but will be notified of whether they have been successful in obtaining the scholarship prior to accepting a place on the course.