Scholarship Descriptions
Scholarship Procedures   

Initiated in 1968 in memory of Doris Mullen (WG #84), a dedicated and professional pilot who lost her life in a fixed-wing aircraft accident, the Scholarship Program has grown from a single $500 scholarship to several different scholarships valued in excess of $40,000.  

The Whirly-Girls Scholarship Fund, Inc ("WGSF") was incorporated in 1974 to oversee and administer the scholarship funds raised by the Whirly-Girls and their Auxiliaries, and is a federally tax exempt 501(c)(3) public charity.

The Scholarship Fund is replenished through the efforts of the Whirly-Girls Men's Auxiliary, the Whirly-Girls Ladies Auxiliary, now collectively renamed The Whirly-Girls Auxiliary, and the HeliExpo merchandise booth.  In the past several years, many helicopter manufacturers and commercial operators have also made significant contributions to the Scholarship Fund.

Many of our Scholarships are awarded based on the independent and objective judging of Dr. Donna Forsyth Wilt.  Dr. Wilt is an associate professor and Chair of Flight Education Programs in the College of Aeronautics at Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida. She has twenty five years of experience in the general aviation industry. She has received the designation of Master CFI by the National Association of Flight Instructors, has served as an FAA Aviation Safety Counselor, an AOPA Airport Support Network Volunteer, and has consulted as a subject mater expert in general aviation for NASA.  The Whirly-Girls are grateful for this gift of her professional time and efforts.

Scholarships are awarded at an annual banquet and must be used by the recipient in the year awarded.  Members may apply for more than one scholarship, though a maximum of one scholarship per applicant will be awarded. Applicants must be dues-paying (i.e., 'in good standing') Whirly-Girl members for at least one year prior to the 1 October application deadline for scholarships, for all awards other than the Flight Training Scholarship.

Donations are TAX-DEDUCTIBLE.  Anyone (individual, group or corporation) may contribute!

Scholarships awarded at HAI, February 2006:

Whirly Girls Helicopter Add-on Fight Training Scholarship. FOR FEMALE PILOTS RATED IN AIRCRAFT OTHER THAN HELICOPTERS. This scholarship, funded by the Whirly-Girls Scholarship Fund, provides $ 6,000 to assist a certificated female pilot, who does not currently have a helicopter rating, in earning her add-on helicopter rating. Applicant will be evaluated for evidence of intent to work in the helicopter industry.

JRH-P International Whirly-Girls Flight Training Scholarship 
This scholarship, funded by the WGSF, provides $6,000 to a Non USA citizen female pilot who is Helicopter rated OR to a foreign Whirly-Girl to UPGRADE her present helicopter ratings. Requirements: The applicant must be a member in good standing and must have been a member for no less than one year prior to deadline for application – Oct 1^st, 2005 and proof of foreign citizenship

Bell Helicopter Scholarship
This scholarship is sponsored by Bell Helicopter Textron and will give a Whirly-Girl the opportunity to attend the Bell 206 Turbine Transition Course at the Bell Helicopter Training Academy in Fort Worth, TX, USA.  The award includes ground and some flight training.  Requirements:  The applicant must be a member in good standing and must have been a member for no less than one year prior to deadline for application – Oct 1^st, 2005.

  American Eurocopter Flight Training Scholarship
This scholarship is sponsored by American Eurocopter, and will give a Whirly-Girl the opportunity to attend an AS350 Turbine Transition Course at the American Eurocopter Factory School in Grand Prairie, TX, USA. Requirements:  The applicant must be a member in good standing and must have been a member for no less than one year prior to deadline for application – Oct 1^st, 2005.

Robinson Helicopter R22/R44Safety Course Scholarship
This scholarship, sponsored by Robinson Helicopter, will give two Whirly-Girls; currently flying Robinson products, this 3-1/2 day course in Torrance, CA, USA.  The course includes 2-1/2 days of classroom instruction, awareness training, SFAR 73, in the R22 and R44 helicopter systems.  One day is devoted to maintenance, pre-flight inspections, and flying with an experienced RHC pilot.   While geared toward flight, the course is open to any rated helicopter pilot who has at least 3 hours in the R22 or R44 helicopter.  This course is required by most insurance companies and serves as a CFI refresher.  Requirements: The applicant must be a member in good standing and must have been a member for no less than one year prior to deadline for application – Oct 1^st, 2005

Flight Safety International Instrument Refresher Course Scholarship   Sponsored by Flight Safety International, this scholarship is awarded to a Whirly-Girl who possesses a Helicopter Instrument Rating. Flight Safety is offering this course to a career minded individual who is seeking employment or has a position that requires an instrument rating, for which, an instrument recurrent check ride is a plus for the pilot position.  The course consists of 12 hours of academic training, 6 hours of simulator instruction in a multi-engine.  Course can be conducted either in Hurst, TX, USA or West Palm Beach, FL. USA Requirements: The applicant must be a member in good standing and must have been a member for no less than one year prior to deadline for application – Oct 1^st, 2005.

Doris Mullen Scholarship
This $6,000 scholarship, funded by the WGSF, will be utilized for advanced helicopter flight training: Rating, Instrument, Instructor, ATP, or Turbine Transition Training.  This scholarship is given in memory of Doris Mullen (WG#84) who lost her life in a fixed wing aircraft accident in 1968. Requirements:  The applicant must be a member in good standing and must have been a member for no less than one year prior to deadline for application – Oct 1^st, 2005. 

Vortex Helicopters Scholarship given in memory of Justin Weaver
This scholarship is for up to $4,000 in flight training.  It is provided through the generosity of Joe and Mary Sheeran, owners of Vortex Helicopters.  The applicant should be pursuing a career as a professional helicopter pilot. (a WG that has already held her first flying job, fixed wing included, does not qualify)  She may not have over 300 hours total helicopter time. (Flight time restrictions may be waived for pilots in the National Guard or reserve that need civilian ratings). The scholarship may be used to gain additional flight time to meet insurance requirements, or toward any rating above the private pilot certificate. Training will be given at the Vortex facility, Long Beach, MS. USA and is given in an R22 helicopter.  The applicant must be a member in good standing and must have been a member for no less than one year prior to deadline for application – Oct 1^st, 2005.

HSI Scholarship
This scholarship is for up to $5,000. in flight training.  It may be used for re-currency or advanced helicopter training in the R22, R44, or B206.  This scholarship is provided through the generosity of Robin Simpson of Helicopter Services, Inc., Hooks Airport, TX, USA The applicant must be a member in good standing and must have been a member for no less than one year prior to deadline for application – Oct 1^st, 2005.

2006 Judy Short Memorial Scholarship This one time scholarship is given in memory of Julia A. “Judy” Short, WG#29.  It will be awarded to a Whirly-Girl who is already a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) in helicopters, to obtain her add on Instrument or Instrument Instructor (CFII) rating.  The applicant must be a member in good standing and must have been a member for no less than one year prior to deadline for application – Oct 1^st, 2005.

 You can download the application by clicking on one of the links to the left.  If you use the Word version please reposition lines so it is readable when you print it out.

Application Questionnaire
MUST be ANSWERED COMPLETELY!

Download Application in MS Word 6.0 or Download Application in Adobe PDF If you need Adobe Acrobat Reader you can download it here FREE		Application must be TYPED.  All the questions on the form must be answered.  Remember, you can apply for multiple scholarships all on the same application. Hand written or incomplete applications cannot be accepted.
		ATTACH A clear COPY of your PILOT'S LICENSE
		ATTACH A clear COPY of your CURRENT MEDICAL
		A recent photo to be used in publications must be included
		A Non-refundable Application Fee of US $30.00 must accompany the application (check, money order, Visa, MasterCard)
		The deadline for submission was 1 October, 2005.
		THREE CURRENT LETTERS of recommendation from individuals such as employers, friends, flight instructors, or Whirly-Girls that can attest to your experience, qualifications, work history, work ethic, and/or financial need
		Winners will be notified by early January 2006 and will be requested to attend the Scholarship Awards Banquet, Saturday February 25 at the annual Whirly-Girls gathering in conjunction with HAI's HeliExpo which runs February 26-28, 2006, in Dallas TX.
		Winners must agree to abide by all Scholarship rules
		Scholarships must be used within one year of receipt of scholarship, in accordance with the terms under which they were awarded.