Take Flight with the 2026 HCAPA Gliding Scholarships

The Honourable Company of Air Pilots Australia (HCAPA), in partnership with Gliding Australia (GAus), is proud to announce the 2026 Gliding Scholarships. These scholarships provide young aspiring aviators with the opportunity to begin or further their gliding journey at an associated gliding club within Australia.

Whether you’re just discovering the magic of flight or already pursuing your aviation dreams, this scholarship could be your launchpad into the skies.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to anyone who meets the following criteria:

Age & Residency: Must be under 26 years of age (as at 1 January 2026) and an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. Applicants under 18 will need written consent from a parent or guardian.
Passion for Aviation: You should be able to demonstrate a strong interest in aviation and a desire to pursue a career or lifelong involvement as a professional, private, or recreational pilot. No previous flying experience is required!
Membership: Recipients must be (or become) a member of Gliding Australia and remain financial throughout the scholarship period.

What’s Included?

The scholarship provides $1500 in funding, which can be used exclusively for flying costs.

For brand-new pilots, this will typically cover about half the training required to achieve your first solo.
For those already training, it will help you progress towards your Glider Pilot Certificate (GPC).

Scholarship funds can only be used for club-owned gliders and tugs under the direct management of the recipient’s nominated club. Membership fees are not covered.

Key Dates

Applications Open: When published on the HCAPA website
Applications Close: 14 November 2025
Scholarship Period: 1 January – 31 December 2026 (or earlier by mutual agreement)

How to Apply

Applications are made via the HCAPA website: Scholarships – The Honourable Company of Air Pilots Australia.

In your application, you’ll need to include a personal statement addressing:

Your aviation goals, dreams, and what you hope to achieve.
Why you’re applying for this gliding scholarship.
How you might give back to HCAPA and the aviation community, both short and long term.
Your current involvement in aviation and any achievements so far.

If shortlisted, you’ll also be asked to provide a referee who can support your application.

Why Apply?

Gliding is one of the purest forms of aviation, offering hands-on flying skills and a strong foundation for any future in aviation. Through this scholarship, HCAPA and GAus are helping the next generation of pilots take their first steps into the sky.

This is your chance to:

Experience the thrill of flight.
Build skills that last a lifetime.
Join Australia’s passionate gliding community.
Gain recognition and support from one of the world’s most respected pilot organisations.

Find Out More

For further information, contact:

Honourable Company of Air Pilots Australia
Arnie Morscheck – arnie.morscheck@airpilots.org.au
Gliding Australia
Charlie McKay – junior_rep@glidingaustralia.org

✈️ Apply today and let 2026 be the year you spread your wings!