The aerial application industry is built on skill, commitment, and community—and supporting the next generation is a key part of that. Below, you’ll find details on two scholarship programs that reflect these values: the Col Pay Scholarship, and the Air Tractor SOAR Education Fund.
Each program offers unique opportunities for those connected to the industry, with a shared focus on supporting people and honouring legacy.
Col Pay Scholarship
Established in 2009 with support from the Pay family, the Col Pay Scholarship honours Col’s legacy by supporting aspiring ag pilots who reflect his skills and values.
About the scholarship
Col Pay was an icon of the Australia aerial application industry. He was a superb pilot, a skilled engineer, a sound manager and a generous family man. Col was a great supporter of AAAA over many years and strongly believed in the need for a professional association to represent the interests of the air ag industry.
Col trained many ag pilots in his role as an ag instructor and Authorised Testing Officer. He was tragically killed in an accident while test flying a new system for firebombing aircraft.
The Scholarship will be awarded to a candidate who has:
- Australian citizenship
- holds a Commercial Pilots Licence, tailwheel endorsement and preferably more than 200 hours total time
- demonstrated a financial need for assistance
- preferably previous experience in the industry, for example as a loader/mixer
- a good attitude, including a strong work ethic
- aptitude for the industry including a commitment to professionalism, safety and airmanship
- a long-term commitment to the industry
Candidates will be assessed by a representative of the Pay family and a sub-committee of the AAAA Board. The Scholarship will be to the value of $10,000 of flying training for an application rating which will be conducted by Pays Pty Ltd. The successful applicant must be able to undertake the training at a time that is convenient to Pays Pty Ltd.
How to Apply
Applications will close on the 30 April each year and will be announced at the AAAA Annual Convention. Applicants may be asked to attend an interview/s as part of the selection criteria. Please complete the application form and return it to admin@aaaa.org.au
SOAR Education Fund
A college education assistance fund is available from Air Tractor for children of pilots who lost their lives in aerial application accidents involving Air Tractor® aircraft.
About the scholarship
Air Tractor, Inc., and Air Tractor dealers have created the Student Outreach and Assistance Resource (SOAR) Fund as a way to help college-aspiring students reach their higher education goals that may not otherwise be possible without tuition assistance. The SOAR Fund is financed from the profit on sales of Air Tractor label G-246AT aviation replacement batteries.
The Air Tractor SOAR Fund provides US $1,000 – $2,000 per year (depending on number of applicants) toward tuition for qualifying students who are attending accredited universities, junior colleges, or post-secondary vocational-technical schools in the United States as well as for students studying outside of the U.S.