Scholarship Offerings and Requirements
Whirly-Girls 2025 Scholarships
Apply now for 2025 Whirly-Girl scholarships by clicking here!
You may need to log in and then return to this page to access the scholarship application.
If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl member, you can join now. Be sure to apply for membership by the NEW deadlind of October 4, 2024. Once your membership application has been processed, you will be able to apply for scholarships.
Don't forget: the NEW scholarship application deadline is October 11, 2024!
The list below includes scholarships for the Whirly-Girls 2025 scholarship season. To view the description and requirements for a scholarship, please click its title.
Here's a quick guide to the scholarships for Associate members.
Female student pilots, or pilots flying aircraft other than helicopters, may apply for the following scholarships:
- Whirly-Girls Initial or Add-On Helicopter Flight Training Scholarship
- 3G Getting Started with Helicopters Scholarship
- Bristow Group Initial Helicopter Flight Training Scholarship
- Lora Trout Remembrance Initial or Commercial Training Scholarship
Associate members may also apply for the Garmin scholarships:
- Garmin Aviation Online Training Course Scholarship
- Garmin GTN & Flight Display Pilot Training Course Scholarship
Female maintenance technicians may apply for the following scholarships (Whirly-Girls who are also maintenance technicians may also apply):
- Bell 407 Field Maintenance Scholarship
- Bell 407 Series Integrated Avionics System Maintenance Scholarship
- Bell 412 Series Field Maintenance Scholarship
- Bell 429 Field Maintenance Scholarship
- Bell 429 Integrated Avionics System Maintenance Scholarship
- Bell 505 B1.3 Field Maintenance Scholarship
- Bell 505 B2 Integrated Avionics Maintenance Scholarship
- Leonardo Helicopters AW139 Full Airframe Maintenance Course Scholarship
Remember to review the eligibility requirements for each scholarship to make sure you qualify!
Questions? Check out our FAQ page. If you still have questions, please contact the VP of Scholarships at scholarships@whirlygirls.org.
The 2025 Whirly-Girls Scholarships
Requirements: the applicant must be a helicopter pilot with at least a private pilot certificate/license. She must be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed by December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl member, you can join now.
Requirements: the applicant must be an associate member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed by December 31, 2025. If you are not currently an Associate member, you can join now.
Requirements: each applicant must be a helicopter pilot with at least a private pilot certificate/license. She must be a member in good standing at time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during the VERTICON event in 2025, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Preference will be given to a Whirly-Girl who has not previously attended HAI HELI-EXPO (now VERTICON). If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl member, you can join now.
1. Getting Started with Helicopters - Everything you need to know to begin your helicopter pilot journey.
2. How to Pay for Flight School - Detailed guidance on finding money with scholarships and loans to pay for your flight training.
3. 21-Day Private Helicopter Pilot Course - Intensive 21-day online training designed to help students pass their private written and oral exams.
The scholarship is redeemable for one year from the date of award. Once redeemed, the recipient will be given lifetime access to the above-mentioned courses allowing the recipient to complete the courses at their own pace. Ability to obtain a valid FAA Class 3 medical certificate or international equivalent is recommended. The scholarship is open to international students; however, the subject matter is geared towards obtaining your FAA private helicopter certificate. Each scholarship package is valued at $794.
Requirements: the applicant must be an associate member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and while redeeming the course. She must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024 and have redeemed the scholarship no later than September 31, 2025. If you are not currently an Associate member, you can join now.
Requirements: the applicant must be a helicopter pilot with at least a private certificate/license or international equivalent with a minimum of 100 hours PIC rotorcraft as well as an AS350/H125 transition and experience. A commercial certificate/license and a Class 2 medical are recommended although that is not required since the course is simulator only. She must be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed by August 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl member, you can join now.
The applicant must hold a minimum of an FAA private rotorcraft certificate (or international equivalent) and FAA Class 2 medical certificate and have an interest in Ag spraying or mosquito control spraying. Transport and meals are at the cost of the applicant, but lodging in a small on-site dorm is included. This scholarship will need to take place during the season of April/May to November/December 2025. Due to the scientific need of spraying, Anastasia will be flexible with the timing which is also required from the applicants to get the desired results.
Requirements: the applicant must be a helicopter pilot with at least a private certificate/license. She must be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed by December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl member, you can join now.
Requirements: the applicant must be a helicopter pilot with at least a private certificate/license. She must be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed by December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl member, you can join now.
Bell requires that all regulatory technicians must take the written exams in English only without the assistance of an interpreter or digital translator. Approved for Certification by: CAAS, CASA, and Transport Canada at Fort Worth and CAAS, CASA in Singapore.
Requirements: The Whirly-Girl or Associate applicant must hold a valid airframe & powerplant (A&P) license (or international equivalent) or equivalent civil/military recognition document issued by the applicable National Authority and/or Regulatory Agency. Each applicant must be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed in accordance with Bell Training Academy’s schedule and no later than December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl or Associate member, you can join now.
Requirements: the Whirly-Girl or Associate applicant must hold a valid airframe & powerplant (A&P) license (or international equivalent) or equivalent civil/military recognition document issued by the applicable National Authority and/or Regulatory Agency. Each applicant must be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed in accordance with Bell Training Academy’s schedule and no later than December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl or Associate member, you can join now.
Requirements: the Whirly-Girl or Associate applicant must hold a valid airframe & powerplant (A&P) license (or international equivalent) or equivalent civil/military recognition document issued by the applicable National Authority and/or Regulatory Agency. Each applicant must be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed in accordance with Bell Training Academy’s schedule and no later than December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl or Associate member, you can join now.
Requirements: the Whirly-Girl or Associate applicant must hold a valid airframe & powerplant (A&P) license (or international equivalent) or equivalent civil/military recognition document issued by the applicable National Authority and/or Regulatory Agency. Each applicant must be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed in accordance with Bell Training Academy’s schedule and no later than December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl or Associate member, you can join now.
Requirements: The Whirly-Girls or Associate applicant must hold a valid airframe & powerplant (A&P) license (or international equivalent) or equivalent civil/military recognition document issued by the applicable National Authority and/or Regulatory Agency. Each applicant must be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed in accordance with Bell Training Academy’s schedule and no later than December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl or Associate member, you can join now.
Requirements: the Whirly-Girls or Associate applicant must hold a valid airframe & powerplant (A&P) license (or international equivalent) or equivalent civil/military recognition document issued by the applicable National Authority and/or Regulatory Agency. Each applicant must be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed in accordance with Bell Training Academy's schedule and no later than December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl or Associate member, you can join now.
Requirements: The applicant must hold a valid airframe & powerplant (A&P) license (or international equivalent) or equivalent civil/military recognition document issued by the applicable National Authority and/or Regulatory Agency. Each applicant must be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed in accordance with Bell Training Academy’s schedule and no later than December 31,2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl or Associate member, you can join now.
Requirements: the applicant must be an associate member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed by December 31, 2025.
If you are not currently an Associate member, you can join now.
The applicant must meet the eligibility requirements of 14 CFR Section 61.153, and aeronautical knowledge of 14 CFR Section 61.155 and Section 61.161. Current or former military pilots may be eligible for an ATP certificate by meeting the military experience requirements under 61.73. The candidate will meet the requirements to sit for the ATP check ride in the helicopter, and the written exam must be completed prior to the start of the course. International applicants are welcome to apply but must hold an FAA certificate, meet the requirements shown above to enable the upgrade to ATP, and be able to obtain TSA clearance to be able to train in the USA.
Requirements: each applicant must be a helicopter pilot who meets the 14 CFR requirements laid out above. The applicant should clearly indicate in their submission how the training is expected to assist her in her helicopter aviation career. She must also be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Please note that transport and expenses are not included, and scholarship training must be completed by December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl member, you can join now.
Requirements: The type rating applicant pilot must hold a valid commercial pilot certificate with Rotorcraft-Helicopter category and class ratings, an instrument helicopter rating, a valid medical certificate, and have a minimum of 1000 flight hours in helicopters.
The ATP applicant pilot must meet the eligibility, knowledge, and experience requirements of 14 CFR Sections 61.153, 61.155, and 61.161. The Airline Transport Knowledge Test must be completed within 24 months before the date of the Practical Test.
Foreign (non-US) license holder applicants are welcome to apply but must hold either a foreign ATP license with instrument privileges, or a foreign commercial pilot license with an instrument rating, and a valid medical certificate. If a foreign license holder, the applicant must also hold a valid FAA license verification letter from AFB 720 that will cover the entirety of the course to be attended.
Non-US citizens must obtain US Department of Homeland Security TSA approval (Category 1 or 2) prior to receiving any flight instruction. Transportation, visa (if required), and lodging costs will be the responsibility of the applicant during the duration of the course.
Each applicant must be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed in accordance with Coptersafety’s training schedule and no later than December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl member, you can join now.
Edward M. Thurn, a strong advocate for advancing women in the aviation industry, joined the US Army in 1966, earning his wings in 1967 at Ft. Wolters, Texas. He held rotorcraft ATP and fixed-wing private pilot ratings with 9600 hours of flight time in 19 different models of aircraft. His aviation experiences were many: serving in Vietnam as a Huey UH-1 pilot, working as an air traffic controller in Indianapolis, flying missions for spraying, moving cargo, acting as a medevac with Evergreen Helicopters, serving as a corporate transport pilot with Paramount Aviation, flying with the National Guard, and serving as a Captain for Colgate-Palmolive Corporation.
Requirements: each applicant must be a helicopter pilot with at least a private pilot certificate/license. The applicant should clearly indicate in their submission how the training is expected to assist her in her helicopter aviation career. She must also be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed by December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl member, you can join now.
Requirements: the applicant must be a helicopter pilot with at least a private certificate/license. She must be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed by December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl member, you can join now.
Requirements: the applicant must be a Whirly-Girl or associate member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed by December 31, 2025. If you are not currently Whirly-Girl or Associate a member, you can join now.
Requirements: the applicant must be a Whirly-Girl or associate member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed by December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl or Associate member, you can join now.
Requirements: each applicant must be a helicopter pilot with at least a private pilot certificate/license. She must also be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed by December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl member, you can join now.
Requirements: the applicant must hold a valid commercial helicopter pilot or airline transport pilot license (or international equivalent) and a class I or II medical certificate (or international equivalent). Preference will be given to applicants who have at least 1000 flight hours in helicopters and prior helicopter turbine experience. Transportation and lodging costs will be the responsibility of the candidate during the duration of the course. Each applicant must be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed in accordance with Leonardo Helicopter’s training schedule and no later than December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl member, you can join now.
Requirements: the applicant must hold a valid aircraft maintenance license (or international equivalent) or equivalent civil/military recognition document issued by the applicable National Authority and/or Regulatory Agency. Preference will be given to applicants with their full maintenance license; however, those with only airframe licenses will be considered. Applicants must be able to read/write and understand instructions in the English language and be available for training in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the duration of the course. Transportation and lodging costs will be at the responsibility of the candidate. Each applicant must be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed in accordance with Leonardo Helicopter’s training schedule and no later than December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl or Associate member, you can join now.
Sponsored by Panhandle Helicopter Academy, this scholarship is in remembrance of Lora Trout, WG#2101. Lora, a wildland fire rapeller, was working toward her dream of one day becoming a fire pilot when she tragically lost her life in a helicopter accident. She flew for Panhandle Helicopters during the 2021 tour season and became part of the Panhandle Helicopter family. Lora made friends wherever she went and was quickly making a name for herself in the aviation community. Panhandle Helicopter Academy says is their pleasure to offer this scholarship in honor of such a special person who meant so much to them.
This scholarship is awarded to a Whirly-Girl or Associate member working towards achieving their Initial or Commercial Helicopter Rating and provides $6,000 in training to be conducted at Panhandle Helicopter Academy in Panama City Beach, FL. The applicant will be evaluated for evidence of intent to work in the helicopter industry and intent to complete the remainder of their helicopter ratings at Panhandle Helicopter Academy.
Requirements: The applicant must hold a minimum of an FAA Third Class Medical certificate. International applicants are welcome but are responsible for their Flight Training Security Program (FTSP) Application to be able to train in the USA. The scholarship recipient will be responsible for their own transportation and accommodation costs. She must be a Whirly-Girl or Associate member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed by December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a member, you can join now.
Requirements: the applicant must be a helicopter pilot with at least a private certificate/license. She must be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed by December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl member, you can join now.
Requirements: the applicant must be a helicopter pilot with at least a private certificate/license. Each applicant must be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed by December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl member, you can join now.
Requirements: the applicant must be a commercial helicopter pilot with an instrument rating and a class I or II medical certificate. Preference will be given to those applicants who have at least 1200 flight hours in helicopters and are interested in working in the offshore oil industry. Each applicant must be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed by December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl member, you can join now.
Requirements: each applicant must be a helicopter pilot with at least a private pilot certificate/license, preferably with an instrument rating, who is working towards their flight instructor certificate. The applicant must have at least 5 hours of model specific (R22/R44) Robinson Helicopter time. She must also be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed by December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl member, you can join now.
Requirements: each applicant must be a helicopter pilot with at least a commercial pilot certificate/license, preferably with an instrument rating, and is working towards their flight instructor certificate. The applicant must have at least 3 hours of model specific (R66) Robinson Helicopter time. She must also be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed by December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl member, you can join now.
Requirements: each applicant must be a helicopter pilot with at least a private pilot certificate/license. She must be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed by December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl member, you can join now.
Requirements: the applicant must be a helicopter pilot with at least a commercial pilot certificate/license with at least 1000 hours total time. She must be a member in good standing at the time of application submission, award of scholarship, and during scholarship training, and must have joined the Whirly-Girls no later than the NEW deadline of October 4, 2024. Scholarship training must be completed by December 31, 2025. If you are not currently a Whirly-Girl member, you can join now.