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The Scholarship Scheme |
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The British Aerobatics Foundation (BAeF) has been set up
specifically to tackle the coordination of fund-raising in order
to do two things. Firstly, to provide grants through a
scholarship scheme;
and secondly, to contribute financial support to the British
teams during their preparation for and participation in these
high level European and world competitions. |
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The scholarship scheme, being run
under the auspices of the BAeF, will involve specialist aerobatic
training organisations (as listed in the Current Perspectives
screen) and the flying clubs who would wish to be a part of this
project, particularly those clubs that already offer aerobatics
training as part of the club syllabus. They will work together
to identify candidates who can demonstrate the essential
aptitude and commitment criteria needed to succeed in this
exacting field of aviation. |
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Method |
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The following is an overview of the key elements and timings
involved in the process of selecting the first and subsequent
tranches:- |
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It is planned to have the first two pilots commence their
aerobatics flying training in 2007. Each year thereafter,
through to 2010 inclusive, one pilot will be selected and added
to the training programme. |
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Flying clubs that offer aerobatics as part if their syllabus are
now being asked (via their CFI's) to display the scheme
advertisement on their notice boards and to issue application
forms to prospective candidates wishing to be considered for the
scheme. |
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Application forms, countersigned by a CFI, must then be
forwarded to the
address provided on
the scheme advertisement and below. The entry date deadline will
be the 30th April each year. |
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The subsequent selection process will take place in two phases. The first phase will be carried out during April to
July. The aim here will be to produce a short-list of six
pilots. |
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The second phase will be carried out over a two-day period
(during September) at a nominated airfield and will involve
ground and air exercises for the short-listed pilots. The air
assessments will be carried out in two-seat high performance
aircraft such as the Pitts and the Extra. |
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All assessments will be carried out by appropriately experienced
aerobatics instructors from specialist schools. |
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At the time of assessment, candidates will
hold a JAR-FCL Private Pilot's
Licence. |
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Using the above process, we will then seek to add one pilot
every year for the following three years. |
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The intention is, that the scholarship winner will then receive
a grant from the British Aerobatics Foundation of around 50
hours free aerobatic flying training for each year of a five
year programme. The aerobatic flying instruction will be given
by the UK's top aerobatic trainers, and by visiting European and
world aerobatics masters at organised training camps. Successful
candidates will be expected to supplement their training by
funding additional aerobatic flying hours from their own
resources. |
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The commencement and continuation of all flying training in any
particular year and in each individual case will be dependant
upon the initial and ongoing availability of funds. The Trustees
of the fund have the right to suspend or otherwise terminate or
vary the scheme or terminate an applicants scholarship for
whatever reason or make substitutions from other candidate
sources in their absolute discretion. Nothing in the scholarship
scheme should be construed as giving rise to contractual terms
between successful applicants and the Trustees of the fund or
other, or give rise to any expectation of whatever nature.
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All successful candidates will be required to be a member of the
British Aerobatic Association (BAeA) and to compete in Part-1 of
the BAeA
National championships (normally held in August or September
each year) during their first year of training, having completed
a minimum of 20 hours training by that time. BAeA membership
will be paid from scholarship funds for the duration of the
training programme. |
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The cost of assessment flights in the first phase will need to
be borne by the applicant. For the second phase, the cost of
accommodation and travel will need to be borne by the applicant,
but at least half of the cost of assessment flights in this
phase will be funded by the scheme. |
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Successful candidates, having been nominated by their respective
flying training organisations, will have demonstrated above
average aircraft handling skills in their flying training to
date. They must have shown the ability to learn new skills
quickly, and to have the self-confidence required to set high
standards for themselves. They will also have proven their
ability to concentrate on demanding physical tasks while under
psychological pressure. A sound grasp of the basics of
aerodynamics would be a major advantage. |
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Applications are invited from any
qualifying candidate irrespective of ethnicity, gender or
disability; provide that the applicant satisfies PPL medical requirements
at the time of application and throughout their sponsored
flying. |
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If you feel you can match the
above specifications, please discuss this with your CFI who, if
in agreement, will countersign your application form. This,
together with a stamped addressed envelope, should then be sent
to:- |
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Mr David Cowden, Company
Secretary, British Aerobatics Foundation, Mayfield House, Wrens
Warren, Chuck Hatch, Hartfield, East Sussex, TN7 4WW. |
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