gyftsOne of our association's aims is to re-instil in the hearts of our younger Australians, and indeed younger people all over the world, an enthusiasm for aircraft and for flying as a recreational sport.

The 'Giving Young People Flight Training Support' [GYFTS] fund was launched at NATFLY 2008. The intention is to provide scholarships to deserving and capable young flyers that enable them to continue their flight training when they may otherwise be unable to do so, due to financial hardship. Each year, if every one of our members contributes just $2, the fund could support flight training scholarships with a total value exceeding $15 000. There is a donation facility provided for members on the various annual renewal forms.

Airservices Australia websiteIn 2009, Airservices Australia generously awarded Recreational Aviation Australia's GYFTS program an annual grant of $25 000 to be distributed (for 2010, 2011 and 2012) to 10 young flyers between the ages of 15 and 20. RA-Aus greatly appreciates Airservices Australia's support of this very important program.

Airservices spokesperson Rob Walker said the agreement recognised the essential role played by RA-Aus as part of a vibrant, growing Australian aviation industry. "We're proud to support the work of the organisation as they help young people learn to fly, operate safely and possibly consider a future career in our industry", Mr Walker said. "This agreement is part of our wider contribution to the aviation industry in general and we look forward to building on this association with RA-Aus."



Flight training support goals and objectives

The aims of the Airservices Australia/RA-Aus joint program are to:
GYFTS is a support program for young people with a genuine interest in aviation — it is not a 'prize'. An important principle is that recipients make a commitment to contribute in-kind to various ongoing club and organisational and aviation activities. It aims to assist young people who have taken steps to begin their training, but due to financial hardship, find it difficult or impossible to continue.

Definition of young people

Flying training support from Airservices Australia grants is available to male and female students who are fifteen years old by the 1st January of the year they commence training and will not have turned age twenty-one by the 31st of December of that year. Support for students between the ages of 21-24 is available from the RA-Aus member's GYFTS grants. These grants are capped at $1000.

Types of support available Candidates may apply for either of the types of support available on the initial application.

The flyers training support selection criteria

Applicants must demonstrate an aptitude for flying, a commitment to aviation, and financial need. These are the foremost requirements of the selection process.

Additionally, applicants must have demonstrated a desire to learn to fly by having commenced training.

In exceptional circumstances, candidates who have not commenced training because of financial hardship or distance from a Flight Training School may be considered.

Each applicant under the age of 18 years must submit written approval from a parent and/or guardian.

Each applicant must contact and then nominate two non-family members to act as referees whom RA-Aus may contact, and who can attest to the applicant's interest and commitment to aviation.

For example: Additionally, the candidate's CFI must complete a confidential report to affirm applicant's ability, aptitude and attitude to aviation.

Exclusions

Previous flying training support winners are ineligible for further flying scholarships from RA-Aus.

Relatives of current RA-Aus Board members or managers are also ineligible. Relatives of instructors are ineligible to apply if learning from that relative.

The process

Applicants shall:

Forward a completed application form to the RA-Aus GYFTS program assessment panel. Applications have closed for the 2010 program; the applications for the 2011 program will open in December 2010.

Be assessed by a CFI on ability, aptitude, attitude and need at the candidate's own expense. The assessment panel shall conduct an assessment of ability, attitude, aptitude and need and short list candidates if necessary.

The assessment panel

The assessment panel shall be comprised of a permanent chair and at least five RA-Aus members and shall: Terms and conditions

The GYFTS support recipients must: What this flyer support does not include
Where to in the future?

RA-Aus would expect that students who benefit from this scheme might:

For more information and to have a look at the 2010 application forms, contact your CFI, or you can download the three parts, but remember applications have closed for the 2010 program:

GYFTS 2010 Airservices and RA-Aus information and support sheet
GYFTS 2010 Airservices and RA-Aus application form
GYFTS 2010 confidential CFI report


Scholarship winners for 2010

Students awarded $2500 from the Airservices Australia grant:
Students each awarded $850 for flight training from the RA-Aus members GYFTS fund: