In a move to counter the looming global pilot shortage, Pilot Flight Academy (PFA) has introduced a fully-funded scholarship program.
Based in Sandefjord, Norway, PFA will sponsor two students, covering their tuition fees for the complete 18-month vocational course.
Recent projections indicate an impending critical shortage of pilots worldwide, boosting demand from airlines. “Future pilots will have very good prospects for both steady jobs and attractive conditions,” said Mikael Eriksson, CEO of PFA.
PFA is striving to mitigate the projected pilot deficit by making aviation education accessible to more individuals. This initiative awards two fully-funded study placements and forms part of a larger campaign to promote the pilot profession.
Open to both Norwegian and international applicants, the scholarship aims to empower individuals who may lack the financial means to pursue their pilot dreams or those who have displayed exceptional social engagement or other merits. Each scholarship, valued at 1,050,000 Norwegian Kroner, covers all semester fees.
PFA’s program provides 120 credits over two years, qualifying Norwegian students for support from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen).
The academy aims to meet the ongoing global demand for skilled pilots. “International aviation will have a significant and ongoing need for more skilled pilots in the years to come, and we want to contribute to meeting a small part of this need by offering a top education to talents who desire a future in international aviation,” added Eriksson.
PFA invites applicants worldwide to compete for the two scholarships, with women especially encouraged to apply. Eligible candidates should be aged between 18 and 33, between 150-200 cm tall, and have completed secondary education. They must fulfill the medical requirements for a Norwegian Class 1 Aviation Medical Certificate and pass the Pilot Flight Academy’s admission test. Submission of a motivational letter and a brief selfie video explaining their qualification for the scholarship is also required.
The scholarship recipients will be selected by a jury comprising representatives from PFA’s management and a student representative. The panel includes Karl Morten Rosenlund, Knut Knutzen, Margot Bartelds, Kim Kristoffersen, and Keji Watanabe.
PFA conducts admissions on a rolling basis, but for those targeting the 2023 scholarships, the application deadline is August 25, 2023. Courses will commence on September 20, 2023. More details about the scholarship application and coverage can be found at www.pilotflightacademy.com/scholarship.
