Author: Dan Clearwater

Winner of the AOPA NZ Trust PPL Scholarship ($5000), is Nelson school pupil, Charlie Bryce, who works part-time to pay for his flying.  Involved with the Motueka Aero Club Young Eagles, he was taken on a few flights with other Aeroclub members. Soon after being awarded his scholarship, Charlie met with a flight instructor and an Air New Zealand pilot for career advice and mentoring.

His referees stated that “Charlie consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and seeks to be a positive role model to his peers. Charlie has many of the attributes needed to be a good pilot and the motivation to achieve this goal. Charlie is what I call a ‘thinking pilot.’  He uses his head to make clear judgements and is always critiquing his flying, trying to set a high standard.”

For the AOPA NZ February 2026 AGM, Charlie sent us through this video update of is progress – things are going well with another 10 hours of flying since his scholarship award.

He’s planning to start at Nelson Aero College at the end of August, for a Diploma in Aviation, with a focus on flight instruction.

The Trust has linked Charlie up with an Aviation mentor – which is proving a great opportunity for trusted guidance and encouragement along the way.

In March 2026, Charlie let us know that he’s also received a scholarship through his local Aeroclub at Motueka.

Winner of the 2025 AOPA NZ Trust CPL Scholarship ($7500) is Karen Dalldorf of Christchurch. 

Karen started her PPL at Bridge Pa – working full-time, studying and dealing with Covid lockdowns. A couple of weeks after gaining her PPL she represented the Club at the Flying New Zealand Cook Strait Regional Rally in Wanganui and her competition flying began.  She achieved a 1st in the Newman Cup for Female Precision Circuits and Landing and a 2nd in the Airwork Cup for PPL Low Flying. When she moved to Christchurch she joined the Canterbury Aero Club (CAC) and became part of their competition team, achieving a 1st in the Newman Cup at the Alpine Regional Rally in 2024, which meant a trip to Nationals in Hawkes Bay in 2025, where she gained 2nd place.

Karen was part of the West Melton team who won the CAC Inter-branch competition in 2025 and she was awarded the Aroha Clifford Memorial Cup by the CAC for Airmanship by a Woman Pilot. She was also awarded an Aspeq Scholarship for CPL exams by the NZ Airwomen’s Association.

Her referee stated:  “Karen has a high drive to achieve and a passion for aviation and goals and her love of flying and the aviation industry shines through in every aspect of her journey.  Her compassion, combined with her strong work ethic and ability to stay focussed under pressure, makes her an outstanding candidate for this scholarship, who, in my opinion, will become an inspirational role model and instructor in the future.”

In February 2026, Karen was back again at the Flying NZ Nationals, and scooped up a range of podium results. She placed  1st 🥇 in Newman Cup – Precision Circuits for Ladies, 2nd in Sir Francis Boys Wildcard – Precision Circuits and 3rd equal in Airwork Cup – PPL Low Flying.

Karen has shown excellent dedication to getting involved in the General Aviation community – no doubt many of you have met her at some recent fly-ins, as well as the AOPA NZ AGM, where she spoke briefly at the meeting:

“I’m honoured to have been chosen for the Scholarship. Its more than just financial support, its a vote of confidence in me and my future in aviation. I’m looking forward to working with the Trust to promote aviation as I work to gain my CPL and then my Instructor rating.”

She’s making great progress towards this goal, and has just passed her CPL Cross Country flight test. Karen has recently volunteered to be a classroom Aviation Ambassador – working with the Trust and the House of Science which provides a ‘Things with Wings’ aviation activity kit to primary schools.  She’s also been along to the Women in Aviation evening at Garden City Helicopters, promoting the Trust and her Scholarship to the attendees.

In June 2026, Karen attended the NZAWA – New Zealand Association of Women in Aviation Rally in Hawkes Bay, winning the Yvonne Loader Trophy for Instrument Flying and placed 3rd in the Winter Rose Bowl for Navigation Theory.

Her CPL is still progressing well, with the Cross Country and Instrument Flying requirements completed in May, and Navigation exams due in June.