Scholarship applications open annually on January 15th and close on April 30th at midnight. Good luck!

BC Aviation Council (BCAC) Scholarship Applications open annually on January 15th. Applications must be made using the online form and reach our office no later than midnight April 30th. 

BCAC members recognize the financial pressures faced by students pursuing studies in aviation and aerospace and are pleased to provide over $100,000 worth of scholarships on an annual basis. With the critical shortage of human resources faced by our industry – even before the COVID pandemic – and the need to support industry-wide recovery efforts, a focus on scholarships is a key priority of the BCAC. This is Canada’s largest aviation and aerospace scholarship program.

Students can apply for cash awards generally ranging from $1,250 to $10,000. However, these awards are about much more than just the cash. Winning any scholarship looks great on your resumé, especially because the BCAC Scholarship Committee consists of dedicated industry leaders and their review is extremely thorough. Reference letters, transcripts and a complete application are particularly important to the Scholarship Committee; explaining why you require financial assistance is also expected. Applications are treated in the strictest of confidence.

General criteria for each scholarship are listed below, with any additional required details listed with individual scholarships.

You must fill out the online form (also below) and select the scholarship(s) you are applying for. More than one scholarship can be selected.

There are four general scholarship categories – Pilots, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs), Airport Operations and Management, and General Including Aerospace. In your application, please specify which category/categories you have chosen.

Results of each year’s submissions are announced before the end of July and are awarded at the Silver Wings Scholarship and Industry Awards Celebration in October at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. Successful applicants should join their aviation and aerospace colleagues at this fun, networking gala as our guest. Check out the 2023 Scholarship Winners!

If you have any questions, please contact the BC Aviation Council at info@bcaviationcouncil.org

Donate today to the BCAC’s scholarship programs and support the next generation of BC’s aviation and aerospace leaders!

Thank you to the following for their current ongoing support of the scholarship program.

Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP for funding a $2,500 annual scholarship, the Ernie Alexander Memorial Scholarship, since 2010, and contributing $500 annually to the John and Michelle Ward Memorial Scholarship.

Alpha Aviation for providing $5,000 annually to support the Alpha Aviation Multi-IFR Training Scholarship.

Anderson Family for funding a $6,000 private pilot award annually since 2014. This scholarship increased to $7,000 in 2020 and $8,000 in 2022.

Glacier Air for annually coordinating the November fundraising campaign supporting the Francois Leh Flight Instructor Training Scholarship.

Harbour Air for funding four fixed wing Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) Awards of $3,000 each annually and offering a six-month paid apprenticeship to each successful applicant.

Helijet for being a long-time annual scholarship funder, currently funding a $5,000 annual scholarship for rotary aircraft AME, IFR or eVTOL training for five years starting 2022.

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) for funding an annual $1,000 scholarship (and growing rapidly) for Okanagan residents furthering their career in the field of aviation and aerospace.

Nanaimo Airport (YCD) for their $2,000 annual contribution to scholarships supporting on and near airport employment.

Pacific Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Association (PAMEA) for their recent $42,000 contribution to the scholarship investment fund to support their annual AME scholarships.

PetroValue for funding a $2,500 annual scholarship for Students and mid-career applicants who are working toward, or are already employed, in the field of airport management, operations, safety or fueling operations.

Roe Boat Trust for funding the $1,500 annual, the Emil Oucharek Memorial Scholarship, for Students completing their Commercial Pilot Helicopter Licence.

Tailwind Apparel for contributing a portion of all sales to their scholarship program.

To find out how to be included in this listing of high-profile ongoing scholarship supporters, contact us at BC Aviation Council.

BASIC CRITERIA FOR ALL SCHOLARSHIPS

Please ensure the nomination application includes all the following. These criteria apply to all scholarships. Any additional requirements for individual awards are listed below the scholarship name.

• Applications must be made using the online application form below.
• Applications must be received by midnight on April 30th. Winners will be announced before the end of July. Awards are presented at the annual Silver Wings Scholarship and Industry Awards Celebration in October.
• Nominees must be BCAC Members – BCAC Student Membership is FREE for any Student so apply today!
• It is preferable that the nomination is made by a BCAC Member but it’s not required – you can self-nominate in most cases. Many BCAC Members are listed on this website.
• Each Nominator must attach a signed, detailed narrative summary of the achievements, strengths, and qualifications of the Nominee (approximately 200 – 400 words). Remember, you can self-nominate!
• A statement from the applicant must also be included indicating why they should receive the award, their reasons for financial assistance, their scholastic and personal achievements, and their goals. 
• High academic standing is required – an academic transcript must be included.
• All applications for flying scholarships must be accompanied by copies of Transport Canada flight test and written examination results for the licences held (Private and/or Commercial).
• Applications are accepted from everywhere. However, training must occur in British Columbia, or the Yukon, Canada, unless otherwise noted.
• International Applicants: If you are not a Canadian Citizen nor Permanent Resident please note that preference is given to candidates who hope to make a contribution to Canadian aviation in their career. This should be addressed in your application.
• Letters of recommendation from personal contacts are very helpful to include in your application.
• Incomplete applications will be discarded. Ensure that all required attachments are included. It is shocking how many applications must be discarded because they are incomplete.

TIP: Provide as much information as you can for the Selection Committee – the better your presentation, the more opportunity for success your application will have. Good luck!

Photo: Air Canada Pilots Association

(1) PILOTS

PRIVATE PILOT SCHOLARSHIPS:

Anderson Family Private Flight Training: $8,000

• The John Anderson family funds this annual scholarship, awarded in July before other scholarships, to a young aspiring BC pilot and high school student, age 15-19, who is passionate about flying. (PLEASE NOTE: Applicant must be between 15-19 years of age in order to apply.)
• For fixed or rotary Private Pilot License only.
• Must show some commitment to training and finishing, such as showing a dedicated interest in aviation, a commitment to complete the program, completed ground school and/or completed a minimum of 10 hours of flight training.
• Include a recommendation letter from a Transport Canada certified flight school advising on applicant’s potential to complete the program.
• The application must be supported by a BCAC Supporter member in good standing (either a flight school or an individual).
• Funds will be paid in two instalments to the flight school upon receipt of invoice.
• Award recipient will speak at the October Silver Wings Industry and Scholarship Awards Celebration about the path they have taken towards aviation and provide a training update.

Anne and Rudi Bauer Memorial: $1,000

• Actively engaged in private pilot training or recently received PPL – provide transcript of marks.
• Superior flying skills – signed statement from flight instructor of Transport Canada certified flying school.
• Excellence in airmanship.
• Demonstrated commitment to continue towards commercial pilot training or involvement in an aviation industry training organisation such as aviation maintenance, airport operations or airline operations.

Langley Aero Club: $500

• Towards a Private or Commercial pilots license at a school in British Columbia.

West Coast Pilot Club: $500

• Towards a Private or Commercial pilots license at a school in British Columbia.

COMMERCIAL PILOT SCHOLARSHIPS:

Al Michaud Memorial: $1,000

Alpha Aviation Multi-IFR Training Scholarship: $5,000

• Open to pilots with a Canadian commercial licence seeking to upgrade with multi-engine IFR training.
• Must be registered, accepted and attend a Transport Canada certified flight school in British Columbia. Scholarship sent directly to the flight school.
• This award would most likely go to pilots who have flown single engine aircraft in a commercial setting either as a flight instructor, with a small carrier, or as a floatplane operator.

BCAC Commercial Pilot: $1,250

Conair Group Commercial Aviation Training: $3,000

• For fixed or rotary aircraft.
• Scholarship distributed to the Transport Canada certified flying school associated with the recipient.

Emil Oucharek Memorial Rotary Scholarship: $1,750

• The student will have demonstrated a commitment to complete Commercial Pilot Helicopter License training.
• The student will have demonstrated an interest in aviation and have been recognized for community service during their academic or working career; a letter or letters to support this requirement should be provided by individuals known to the student.
• The applicant must include a Letter of Recommendation from Transport Canada-accredited flight school in British Columbia regarding the candidate’s current training and potential to complete a rotary commercial licence.
• The student must demonstrate need and/or a rationale for financial assistance.

Helijet Helicopter AME, IFR or eVTOL Training Scholarship: $5,000

• Student demonstrates commitment to completing the program.
• Include a signed statement from recognized university, college, training institute or Transport Canada-certified flying school in British Columbia on the candidates potential to complete the program.

John and Michelle Ward Memorial: $2,000

• Actively engaged in commercial pilot training.
• Provide both academic and PPL marks.
• Superior flying skills.
• Excellence in airmanship – signed statement from recognized university, college, training institute or Transport Canada certified flying school.
• Demonstrated commitment to continue with commercial pilot training to obtain license in fixed or rotary wing aircraft.

Langley Aero Club: $500 (increasing to $1,500+)

• Towards a Private or Commercial pilot license at a school in British Columbia.

Pacific Coastal Airlines, Sheldon Smith Memorial, Pilot/AME Aviation Training: $10,000 

• Open to all BC residents who are actively pursuing training as a pilot or AME.
• The applicant must demonstrate how the training will contribute to their aviation career.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a career with a small to medium-sized British Columbia air operator.

West Coast Pilot Club: $500 (increasing to $1,500+)

• Towards a Private or Commercial pilots license at a school in British Columbia.

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR SCHOLARSHIPS:

BCAC Flight Instructor Training: $1,250

• Student is obtaining their fixed or rotary wing Instructor Rating License.
• Provide PPL.
• Must show commitment to training and teaching others, such as showing a dedicated interest in aviation and a commitment to complete the program.
• Application to include letter of recommendation from a Transport Canada certified flight school in British Columbia advising on candidate’s potential to complete the program.

Francois Leh Flight Instructor Training: $1,250

• BC residency and will remain in BC to work as a Flight Instructor.
• A curious mind and desire to learn and share their acquired knowledge with others.
• Show a desire to give back to the community through participation in aviation related events, organizations and/or clubs.
• Show commitment to training and teaching others, a dedicated interest in general aviation and a commitment to share knowledge as a career choice not just a path to build hours for the airlines.
• A letter of recommendation from a Transport Canada certified Class 1 Flight Instructor School in British Columbia advising on candidate’s potential to complete the Program.

(2) AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE ENGINEERS (AME)

Barry and Jim Aviation Maintenance Graduate: $3,000

• Recent graduate from AME program in British Columbia.
• Will have overcome some great personal challenge(s) in order to complete the program.
• Demonstrate capacity for hard work and determination to succeed.

Harbour Air Fixed Wing Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Award and Optional Apprenticeship: 4 x $3,000

Helijet Helicopter AME, IFR or eVTOL Training Scholarship: $5,000

• Student demonstrates commitment to completing the program.
• Include a signed statement from recognized university, college, training institute or Transport Canada certified flying school in British Columbia on the candidates potential to complete the program.
• If successful, will require a simple budget for the money awarded.

Pacific Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Association (PAMEA) AME Award: $1,000

• Promotes prospective AME candidates that recently graduated or are currently enrolled and have completed at least 75% of their training in an accredited AME training school in British Columbia.
• Must show an aptitude and desire for a career in aircraft maintenance, be a Canadian Citizen, Landed Immigrant or have proof of ability to work in Canada.
• This award is due to the support of some very special people, including Ferdinand (Ferdie) Vachon AME (Aviation Hall of Fame 2001), Gordon Peters AME, BCIT Instructor (1985), and Alan and Dorthy Ludbrook Pioneers in Avionics in Vancouver, who created the PAMEA Scholarship Fund to promote the best in aircraft maintenance.
• Studies can be completed anywhere in Canada.

Pacific Coastal Airlines, Sheldon Smith Memorial, Pilot/AME Aviation Training Scholarship: $10,000 

• Open to all BC residents who are actively pursuing training as a pilot or AME.
• The applicant must demonstrate how the training will contribute to their aviation career.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a career with a small to medium-sized British Columbia air operator.

(3) AIRPORT OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT 

BCAC Airports, Airport Operations/Management Training: $2,000 

• Completed at least one year (or equivalent) at an educational institution in the above discipline and has at least one more year to complete the program.
• Demonstrated personal initiative and leadership qualities in the program.
• Demonstrated commitment to continue with training to obtain diploma, degree or certification.
• Extra consideration will be given to those who express interest in taking a practicum or internship at an airport outside of the Lower Mainland.

Nanaimo Airport Commission (YCD) Airport Employee Training: $1,250

• To assist anyone working on or near an airport in British Columbia with pursuing further studies that are intended to advance their aviation or aerospace career, broadly defined.

PetroValue Airport Management and Technical Training: $2,500

Student Application Criteria (even years):

• Is currently enrolled at an educational institution in airport management with another year to complete.
• Extra consideration given for expressing an interest in taking a practicum or internship at an airport outside the Lower Mainland.

Mid-Career Application Criteria (odd years):

• Is currently employed at or on an airport in a management or operational role.
• Supported by their employer for additional training in management, technical or safety field.
• Must show acceptance into a recognized training or technical course.
• Preference will be given to smaller airports with fuelling operations.

William Templeton Airport Operations Management Training: $1,000

• Completed at least one year (or equivalent) at an educational institution in the above discipline and has at least one more year to complete the training course.
• Demonstrated personal initiative and leadership qualities in the program.
• Demonstrated commitment to continue with training to obtain diploma, degree, or certification.

Photo: Heart Aerospace

(4) GENERAL INCLUDING AEROSPACE

Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang, Ernie Alexander Memorial: $2,500

• Currently enrolled in an aviation or aerospace program at a post-secondary institution in British Columbia.
• Has an academic grade average of 75% or higher.
• Demonstrates achievement in community involvement.
• Demonstrated commitment to continue with training to obtain certification, diploma, or degree.

BCAC Aviation and Aerospace Scholarship: $1,250

BCAC Career Training: $1,250

• Any recognized aviation or aerospace field.
• Serious mature student who has already demonstrated success in chosen aviation field and is upgrading or completing skills training to upgrade certification.
• Individual must have completed at least 75% of their area of training.
• Application to include letter of recommendation from accredited or registered college, university, or flight school, advising of candidates potential to complete the selected program.

YXS/BCAC Lheidli T’enneh First Nation Chief Dolleen Logan Scholarship: $3,000

• Open to all Canadian Indigenous heritage students entering, or in, aviation and aerospace.
• Jointly funded by the BCAC and Prince George Airport Authority (YXS) in honour of Chief Logan’s welcoming for our 2023 conference in Prince George.

Kelowna International Airport (YLW): $1,000

• Presented annually to a deserving student to assist in completing post secondary education in the field of aviation/aerospace.
• Applicants must be from the Okanagan region and enrolled in an aviation or aerospace program, in the Okanagan region, at a B.C. provincially recognized university, college, training institution or a Transport Canada certified flight school.
• The application must include a letter of recommendation from the educational institution advising on the candidate’s current training and potential to complete the training.
• The student should demonstrate how the proposed education will benefit their career.

Lynne Denison Foster BCIT Scholarship: $1,000 

• Dedicated to Students enrolled in BCIT aviation and aerospace programs.

Mary Swain Memorial Aviation Training Supporting Women (Learn More PDF)(Mary Swain Eulogy PDF): $1,000

• Must be female.
• Currently registered at a B.C. provincially recognized university, college, training institution or a Transport Canada certified flight school to become a private or commercial pilot, AME or airport operations/management.
• Student shows an interest in aviation and aerospace and has demonstrated a commitment to complete her training in that field.
• The application must be supported by a BCAC member or a Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) member.

Nanaimo Airport Commission (YCD) Airport Employee Training: $1,250

• To assist anyone working on or near an airport in British Columbia with pursuing further studies that are intended to advance their aviation or aerospace career, broadly defined.

Pacific Coastal Airlines, Daryl Smith Memorial Indigenous Youth Aviation Scholarship: $10,000 

• Open to Indigenous Students in Canada who are attending school in BC. Declaration required but not documentation.
• Awarded to Students who are actively pursuing training as a pilot, aircraft maintenance engineer (AME), flight attendant, flight or airport operations, or airline management.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a career in aviation. 

Pacific Coastal Airlines, Paul Biglin Memorial, Indigenous Youth Aviation Scholarship: $10,000

• Open to Indigenous Students in Canada who are attending school in BC. Declaration required but not documentation.
• Awarded to Students who are actively pursuing training as a pilot, aircraft maintenance engineer (AME), flight attendant, flight or airport operations, or airline management.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a career in aviation. 

SCHOLARSHIPS FROM OTHER INSTITUTIONS

Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC)

BC General Aviation Association (BCGAA)

BCAC/BCIT Aerospace AME-M Ferdie Vachon Memorial Endowed Bursary

Canadian Airports Council (CAC) The Gerry Bruno Scholarship

Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) Career and Scholarship Guide

Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) Neil J Armstrong Scholarship

Kenn Borek Air Pilot and AME $5,000 Scholarships for Western and Northern Canadian Students

Ninety-Nines

Northern Lights Aero Foundation Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship

RCAF Foundation Student Scholarships

Woman In Aviation International

Zulu Aviation Summer Scholarship

Application Form

SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT FUND

The Council’s charity status enhances our ability to raise funds through events such as the annual Fall Silver Wings Industry and Scholarship Awards Celebration, the Spring Airports, Aviation, Aerospace Conference and direct donations. the BC Aviation Council also maintains the largest aviation and aerospace scholarship endowment fund in Canada and the proceeds from the fund are used to support deserving students. Currently over $450,000 is in the endowment, sustaining many of these awards for the long term.

However, much more needs to be done, so the Council has launched the BCAC Scholarship Campaign with a goal of increasing our scholarship endowment to over $750,000. We are 65 percent of the way there!

Remember that there was a growing Human Resources shortage in our province before COVID-19 and people will be the key to recovery. The demand for aviation and aerospace talent returned like a tsunami. The BC Aviation Council is determined to be part of the Human Resources solution to the rebuilding challenges aviation and aerospace face.

View our 2023 Scholarship Winners slideshow (from the Silver Wings Industry and Scholarship Awards Celebration event)

DONATIONS

With current investment returns, the endowment income available for these important cash awards is constrained and the BCAC is actively seeking to supplement our endowment with additional donations.

Support the next generation of aviation and aerospace leaders by making a donation to the BCAC Scholarship Program. Donations can be made online via our secure form (a tax receipt will be issued for all donations over $20).

You can donate specifically to the BCAC General Scholarship Fund, Francois Leh Flight Training Fund, the John and Michelle Ward Memorial Scholarship, and the Mary Swain Women in Aviation and Aerospace Scholarship.

In addition, attending the annual Silver Wings industry and Scholarship Awards Celebration in October of each year is a great and enjoyable way to support our scholarship program. One half of the revenue generated by the online auction, 50/50 lottery and travel raffle goes toward the BCAC General Scholarship endowment. The rest supports BCAC programming and services, especially for Youth.

Please give until you feel good that your donation will make it easier for students to fulfill their dreams of a career in aviation and aerospace. Your support of the BCAC’s education and training initiatives is greatly appreciated.

Click here to donate

Industry Awards and Scholarship Committee *DRAFT*