YOUNG people from Tumut, Tumbarumba and Gundagai have the chance to make their flying dreams come true with the launching of the second round of the Michael O’Neill Memorial Scholarship Fund Recreational Pilot Training scheme.
Michael O’Neill was a seriously ill TAC (Tumut Aero Club) member who passed away on June 11 last year.
He donated his Jabiru aircraft 24-5281 to the TAC for a token price with the proviso that the club establish a scholarship fund, to assist suitably identified young aviation enthusiasts in pursuing their flying goals, to learn to fly.
The plane was sold for $30,000, creating the Scholarship Fund.
The scholarships are a part of the fund RAAus (Recreation Aviation Australia) for flying training.
The scholarship fund is administered by Tumut Aero Club.
It is the club’s intention to fund annual scholarships, for several years.
The total number of scholarships and dollar amount of financial support for each candidate will be dependent on funds available.
The second round of applications under this scheme opened on June 1 and closes on July 26.
The upper age limit has been raised from 25 to 30 years.
Darcy Finnimore from Tumbarumba, and Daniel Stiles from Tumut, participated in the first round of the scholarship program and is close to getting his wings.
Tumut Aero Club on behalf of the Michael O’Neill Memorial Scholarship Fund offers a contribution of $190 p.hr. up to 25 hours, toward the current flight training and costs of $240 p.hr. The trainee will pay $50 p.hr.
Applications can be submitted either electronically to [email protected] or by mail to The Secretary Tumut Aero Club Inc. PO Box 112 Tumut 2720.
