Updated 2 June 2010

The principal activities of the Guild are centred on sponsoring and encouraging action and activities designed to ensure that aircraft are piloted and navigated safely by aviators who are highly competent, self-reliant, dependable and respected.  The Guild fosters the sound education and training of air pilots and air navigators from the initial training of the young pilot to the specialist training of the more mature.

Through Charitable activities, education and training, technical committee work, aircrew selection, scholarships and sponsorships, advice and recognition of the achievements of fellow aviators world wide, the Guild keeps itself at the forefront of the aviation world.

The Guild provides a unique opportunity for people who would like to become pilots or to further their qualifications as pilots. In addition to flying scholarships funded directly by the Guild or one of its Charitable Trusts, each year the Guild is fortunate to receive generous sponsorship from several sources to fund flying scholarships which are administered by the Guild.

Some of the Scholarships awarded by GAPAN are as follows:

The J N Somers Scholarship 2011

The J N Somers scholarship covers all direct training and examination costs, any associated travel costs and accommodation costs for the successful candidate as they achieve their FATPL. Closing date for receipt of applications is 7 June 2010. Shortlisted candidates will attend Morrisby Testing on 15 July (in London) and final aptitude testing and interviews will take place at RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire on 5 August 2010.  The successful candidate will commence training in early 2011.

The criteria for successful applications includes:

• Holder of Class 1 JAA Medical Certificate VALID ON 15th July 2010 (any one selected for Morrisby Testing who does not meet this condition will be unable to proceed further)
• Educational standards of at least 5 GCSE passes in relevant subjects (e.g. English, Maths, Science) and at least 2 A level passes or equivalent level of qualification (as determined by the Qualifications Curriculum Authority www.qca.org.uk)
• Evidence of strong motivation towards a career in aviation – evidence of progression towards a PPL will enhance a candidate’s application The J.N. Somers Award will generously provide funding, through GAPAN, for a full time course of Air and Ground studies, leading to the award of a frozen JAA ATPL. Training at a JAA approved training organisation will commence in Spring 2011.

The training organisation will be the most suitable available world-wide, selected by GAPAN. The selection process will commence in July 2010, and will include psychometric tests, pilot aptitude tests and an interview. Candidates will be notified of the results by 13th August 2010. The selection process will be conducted by GAPAN in line with our policy of fairness and equality of opportunity.

The Jet Orientation Courses 2010

In association with European Pilot Selection & Training (EPST), the Netherlands based developer of pilot selection tools pilot selector, the Guild is offering two Jet Orientation Course scholarships.  This course is specifically designed to prepare newly qualified professional pilots for employment with an airline.  The course is not type specific.  Pilots who have completed the EPST Airline Jet Foundation course (AJFC) have proved to be well regarded by potential employers. Closing date for receipt of applications is 27 August 2010.
 
A young pilot narrates his story on how he became a pilot and how GAPAN helped him achieved this. Read about his story.

Visit GAPAN.org to find out more about their flying scholarships.