Harris and Robert, 2023 scholarship winners.
Helicentre Aviation Academy has officially launched its 2026 Helicopter Pilot Scholarship Programme – marking the 14th year the academy has offered this prestigious and life-changing opportunity for aspiring pilots to accelerate their careers.
With the deadline for 2025 applications fast approaching, the Leicester-based academy has confirmed it will once again offer a fully funded Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL(H)) Scholarship worth £65,000. The scholarship covers the entire cost of post-PPL(H) hour-building, the ATPL(H) theoretical knowledge course, and the full CPL(H) modular flying course – amounting to around 150 hours of flight time in the Guimbal Cabri G2.
“Our Scholarship programme has been extremely successful, providing winners with much-needed funding to complete their professional training,” said Helicentre Chairman Chris Line. “It has also proved instrumental in identifying exceptional talent – not just among the winners, but across the high calibre of all applicants. The programme has opened doors for many of our students, with several going on to fly for Helicentre itself on charter and utility operations.”
Dan, 2024 scholarship winner.
Created to address the growing demand for helicopter pilots, the programme remains one of the most significant private investments into the future of the UK rotary industry. “We are extremely proud of the quality of pilots we’ve discovered and developed thanks to our Scholarship programme,” Line added.
Since the scheme was established in 2012, Helicentre has awarded over £1.2 million in professional pilot training – a unique commitment unmatched elsewhere in the UK helicopter training sector.
To be eligible for the 2026 scholarship, applicants must enrol on Helicentre Aviation Academy’s PPL(H) course and submit their application by 31st January 2026. Candidates must then complete their PPL(H) by 31st July 2026 to be considered.
Prospective applicants can find out more and register their interest at: www.flyheli.co.uk/scholarships.
