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New aviation scholarships from COPA

Imagining yourself flying an aircraft or a drone but feel like it’s out of reach? The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) is offering three scholarships (total of seven awards) valued at nearly $25,000 to help Canadians pursue their dreams for flight.

$14,000 scholarship to put toward your dream to fly!
Through COPA’s Neil J. Armstrong Ab-Initio Scholarship, one worthy applicant between the ages of 16 and 21 will be given the opportunity to earn their Private Pilot Licence (PPL). COPA will cover the cost of the online ground school which provides the theoretical lessons for safe flying as well as contribute toward instructor-led flight training hours to help the recipient practice and master the required skills.

This longstanding scholarship was created in honour of Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame inductee and COPA past President, Neil J. Armstrong. COPA will provide up to $14,000 to support the successful applicant in pursuing their PPL (see guidelines for conditions).

Already a private pilot and would like to advance your flight training?
The COPA Advanced Flight Training Scholarship supports COPA members, 18 years of age or older with a PPL, interested in pursuing advanced licences (Commercial Pilot Licence) or ratings (IFR, multi, float, night, etc.). Through the generous contributions of the former WestJet Pilot Association, this new scholarship helps to remove financial obstacles for COPA members with big flying goals. There are three (3) awards available, valued at $2,500 each. (See guidelines for conditions.)

Fly toward an interesting new career or hobby with a COPA RPAS Scholarship
Did you know that remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), aka drones, have many uses? They can be flown recreationally for racing in tournaments; they can be flown to protect wildlife and assist forest fire fighting services, safeguard the environment, used for photography, and so much more!

Through the new COPA RPAS Pilot Scholarship, three (3) COPA members 18 years of age and older will receive training to obtain their Advanced RPAS Certificate to explore the many applications available for drone use in Canada. The scholarship includes ground school, flight review and exam expenses.

Applications Due by March 1, 2022
Whether you’ve always dreamed of becoming a pilot or have goals to soar to new heights, submit your application today by visiting copanational.org/copa-scholarships.

“I have a part time job to help contribute to my own expenses, but flight training has been out of reach for me. The COPA Neil J. Armstrong Ab-Initio Scholarship made all the difference for me in obtaining my private, and eventually commercial pilot licences.”

– Erik Yaremkewich, Squamish, BC, a past COPA Scholarship recipient

Application Process
1. Visit the copanational.org/copa-scholarships webpage to learn more about each scholarship;
2. Read the COPA Scholarship Guidelines to ensure you meet the qualifications;
3. Complete the online form hyperlinked to each individual scholarship page;
4. Attach any Letters of Recommendation required per scholarship to the online form; and
5. Submit before March 1, 2022.

About COPA
Founded in 1952, the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) is a federally registered not-for-profit association that fosters the advancement of General Aviation (GA) in Canada. As the leading voice for the flying community nationwide, our mission is to advance, promote and preserve the Canadian freedom to fly. COPA is proud to represent close to 15,000 members from every province and territory who recognize the need for strong, effective representation resting on our core principles of integrity, commitment, unity and leadership.

As the largest aviation association in Canada, COPA is well-positioned to represent the growing needs for General Aviation in Canada. Our efforts focus on keeping GA accessible and affordable, addressing the pilot shortage, promoting safety and lifelong learning and ensuring that Canadian skies are shared safely.