Tracey is the recipient of a $5,000 Scholarship package, which includes private pilot’s licence training flights, mentoring and AOPA NZ member benefits
Tracey fell in love with aviation in 2021, when she was gifted a trial flight by her daughter. “It’d taken her a while for her to save up pocket money, and she managed to cobble together the gift with contributions from other family and friends.”
Since then, Tracey has saved every spare dollar to pursue her aviation dreams, plus become fully involved with the Rotorua Aero Club and the Young Eagles youth aviation programme. As a fairly new member of the aviation community, her enthusiasm and motivation to give back is impressive. “I’m not planning a career in the Airlines. However, my aim is to eventually get a commercial pilots licence, so I can become an instructor and help others pursue their flying dreams. I’m ecstatic about being picked for the Scholarship.”
Scholarship sponsor Matt Vaughan, from PacAvia International Ltd, says his motivations were to assist someone who needed the help, and would stay and contribute to the local flying community. “It was wonderful to see how determined and passionate Tracey is about General Aviation and light aircraft flying,” says Matt. “Her natural ability to connect with and mentor young people shows that by supporting her, we’ll be lifting up many more Kiwi aviators in the future.”
“We’re grateful for the support of the scholarship sponsors and delighted at the calibre of the winning candidates,” says Mandy Deans, Trust Chairman. As well as the financial benefit, the Trust will be inviting the winners and all the shortlisted applicants to join our Mentoring Scheme. “Linking aspiring pilots with highly experienced aviators will give them access to hard-won wisdom, plus strengthen connections and networks in our aviation sector.”
The Trust aims to continue with scholarships in future years, and welcomes potential sponsors to get in touch about collaborating.
Future scholarship applicants are invited to join the ThinkAviation newsletter to hear first-hand about future opportunities.