We’re delighted to announce The ThinkAviation Private Pilots Licence Scholarship for 2026.

The Scholarship package includes $5,000 NZD towards flight hours for a PPL, thanks to PacAvia International Ltd. The package also includes benefits from The Aircraft Owners and Pilots’ Association of New Zealand.

All the details and guidelines are provided below. Please read them before beginning your application. A link to the application form will be provided on the opening day.

For any questions regarding the scholarship, please contact us.

Key dates:

• Applications open: 8 June 2026
• Applications close: 5 July 2026
• Flying training organisation provides supporting info: 6 July – 26 July 2026
• Winner announced : 8 September 2026

Resources:

• Guidelines for applicants & flying training organisation, terms and conditions
• Example of questions in the application form
• Example of Flying Training Organisation questionnaire

We’re delighted to announce a new Scholarship for aspiring helicopter pilots, through a partnership with the James PG Foundation.

All the details and guidelines are provided below. Please read them before beginning your application. A link to the application form will be provided on the opening day.

For any questions regarding the scholarship, please contact us.

The Scholarship package includes:

• $4,750 NZD towards flight hours for a PPL(H) – approximately 5 hours in a Cabri G2.
• $3,000  worth of support to attend the Aviation Industry Association Annual Conference, including accommodation & travel
• $ 750 of Aviation apparel from Eye In The Sky, James PG Foundation, Over The Top.
• $1,500  of support to complete a HUET (Helicopter Underwater Evacuation Training) course, including accommodation & travel.
• Additional benefits from AOPA NZ.

Key dates:

• Applications open: 8 June 2026
• Applications close: 5 July 2026
• Flying training organisation provides supporting info: 6 July – 26 July 2026
• Winner announced : 8 September 2026

Major criteria

• Open to NZ Citizens, living in NZ, aged between 17 and 25 years old at application closing date.
• Scholarship winner may not conduct any training in a Robinson helicopter during scholarship funding period.
• Other criteria and eligibility details included in the resources below.

Resources:

• Guidelines for applicants & flying training organisation, terms and conditions
• Example of questions in the application form
• Example of flying training organisation questionnaire