Whirly-Girls Helicopter Scholarships Guide
🛩️ Opening Doors for Women in Rotorcraft
For women pursuing a future in helicopter aviation, Whirly-Girls International scholarships offer a unique opportunity to fund their training and gain industry recognition. Whether you’re just starting or seeking advanced certification, Whirly-Girls supports women across all levels of rotorcraft aviation. In recent years, their annual awards have totaled over $600,000, helping recipients grow into safer, more skilled pilots.
Table of contents
Whirly-Girls International is a nonprofit supporting women in helicopter aviation through scholarships and mentorships.
Over 45 scholarships are awarded annually, valued at more than $600,000
Scholarships cover flight training, maintenance, and entry-level helicopter education.
Applications are open to both rated pilots and associate members (students, supporters)
Membership is required to apply, with fees starting at $25
The application deadline for the 2026 cycle is October 1, 2025
Winners are announced in December and honored at VERTICON
Applicants can apply for multiple scholarships with one fee.
Judging considers experience, goals, community service, and financial need.
🟣 Who Are the Whirly-Girls?
Founded in 1955 by Jean Ross Howard Phelan, Whirly-Girls International began as a group of 13 pioneering women helicopter pilots. Today, they’ve grown into a global nonprofit with over 2,450 members across 47 countries.
Their mission is to promote and advance women in rotorcraft aviation by:
Offering scholarships
Hosting networking events
Providing mentoring and career guidance
Maintaining a strong presence at major aviation expos
Advocating for rotorcraft awareness through education
Incorporated as Whirly-Girls Scholarship Fund, Inc. in 1974, the organization is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) charity, making it a respected and impactful force in aviation education.
✈️ Scholarships Offered
Whirly-Girls provides one of the most diverse and well-funded scholarship programs in the helicopter industry. These awards support a wide range of training paths for both Whirly-Girl members (rated helicopter pilots) and Associate members (students, supporters, or professionals in other aircraft).
🔹 Flight Training Scholarships
Robinson R22/R44 and R66 Safety Courses
Airbus AS350 Scenario-Based Training
Bell 407, MD500, AW139, and S-76 aircraft training
Advanced certifications and commercial licenses
🔹 Maintenance Training Scholarships
Bell 407/429/505 and 412 field maintenance
Integrated avionics systems
AW139 full airframe maintenance training
🔹 Entry-Level and Transition Scholarships
Bristow Initial Helicopter Training
3G Getting Started with Helicopters
Garmin GTN & Flight Display Pilot Training
💸 Application Details
To apply, you must be a current member of Whirly-Girls or an Associate Member. There are several membership categories:
Whirly-Girls (rated helicopter pilots): $75 initial fee / $50 annual renewal
Military Discount: $50 initial fee
Associate Membership: $25 annually (for student pilots, industry pros, or supporters)
Lifetime and Corporate memberships are also available
Application Fee:
$75 for Whirly-Girls
$60 for Associate Members
🗓️ Key Deadline: October 1, 2025
📣 Notification: Recipients announced in December and honored at VERTICON, the largest rotorcraft trade show in the world.
📝 Application Process
Join Whirly-Girls: whirlygirls.org
Register your account
-
Complete the online form and upload:
Pilot/medical certificates
Letters of recommendation
Personal essays
Apply to multiple scholarships with a single application.
🧠 What Judges Look For
Whirly-Girls takes a holistic approach in evaluating applicants. Judges consider:
Your training goals
Aviation achievements and experience
Service to others and references
Professional motivation and attitude
Financial need
Application completeness, neatness, and clarity
You can increase your chances by applying for multiple scholarships and ensuring your materials are personalized and current.
📋 Scholarship Examples
Some standout awards from recent years include:
Leonardo AW139 Flight Training Scholarship
CAE S-76 Initial Training for Helicopter ATP
FlightSafety Bell 407 Pilot Course
Survival Systems Aviation Egress Training
Robinson R66 Safety Course
Bell 505 Integrated Avionics Maintenance Scholarship
Whether you’re targeting training for flight operations or technical roles, there’s a scholarship that aligns with your aviation journey.
💡 Tips for Applicants
Strong applications include:
Detailed and proofread responses
Updated medical and pilot documents
Letters of recommendation that are scholarship-specific
Explanation of gaps in recent flying (if applicable)
Realistic training cost estimates
Accurate flight hours and qualifications
A clear connection between scholarship goals and your aviation career
🏆 Scholarships Backed by Industry Support
The Whirly-Girls program is made possible by a wide array of industry sponsors, including:
Airbus Helicopters
Garmin
Bell Helicopter
Leonardo
CAE
Coptersafety
They also benefit from member donations, estate gifts, and community supporters that help fund signature awards like:
Whirly-Girls Memorial Flight Training Scholarship
Jean Tinsley Memorial Scholarship
These partnerships allow the program to grow and continue providing life-changing opportunities.
🌍 Growing a Global Sisterhood
Whirly-Girls isn’t just about funding—it’s about belonging. Members gain access to a vibrant, international network of women who are:
Sharing advice and encouragement
Hosting workshops and speaking panels
Mentoring newcomers in the field
Promoting awareness and acceptance of helicopters in public service
Who is eligible to apply for Whirly-Girls scholarships?
Scholarships are open to Whirly-Girls members (female helicopter pilots) and Associate members (students, supporters, or aviation professionals in other aircraft). Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria, so check the details before applying.
Do I need to be a member to apply?
Yes, membership is required. You must join Whirly-Girls or become an Associate member before submitting your application.
How much does it cost to apply?
For the 2025 cycle, the application fee is $75 for Whirly-Girls and $60 for Associate members. This fee allows you to apply to multiple scholarships.
What is the deadline to apply?
The deadline for the 2026 scholarship cycle is October 1, 2025, at midnight PST.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Absolutely. You are encouraged to apply for multiple scholarships, provided you meet each one’s requirements.
What should my letters of recommendation include?
Letters should be current (within 6 months), addressed to a general scholarship audience, and written specifically for scholarship consideration, not job applications.
When will I know if I received a scholarship?
Scholarship recipients are notified in December, and awards are formally presented at VERTICON, the annual Whirly-Girls event.
What if I’ve received a Whirly-Girls scholarship before?
You can still apply again. Past recipients are welcome to reapply, though preference may be given to first-time winners depending on the award.
Are travel and lodging expenses covered?
No. Most scholarships only cover training costs. Recipients are responsible for travel and lodging expenses unless otherwise specified.
Where can I apply and learn more?
Visit the official Whirly-Girls website at whirlygirls.org for full details and to access the application portal.
🧭 Final Thoughts
The Whirly-Girls Scholarships represent more than financial support—they symbolize the strength, ambition, and progress of women in helicopter aviation. From initial training to advanced certifications, these scholarships open doors that help talented aviators reach new heights. Whether you’re a student pilot, a seasoned rotorcraft professional, or someone transitioning into helicopter operations, there’s a place for you in the Whirly-Girls community.
As Pilotshq.com continues to support the next generation of aviation professionals, we recognize the value of organizations like Whirly-Girls International. Their work uplifts careers, builds community, and strengthens the entire aviation industry.
Apply, connect, and take flight—your future in rotorcraft aviation starts here.
Note: This blog post is part of a series highlighting aviation scholarships. Stay tuned for our upcoming summary post that will showcase all featured scholarships.
Pilots HQ Staff
The Pilots HQ Staff is a team of aviation enthusiasts and industry professionals dedicated to supporting aviators at every stage of their journey. From sharing expert gear recommendations to highlighting career resources and aviation scholarships, our mission is to keep the skies accessible, informed, and inspired.
