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Apply for the Nicolas Tessede  Flying Scholarships

Turn your Flying Dreams into Reality

Nicolas Tessede Flying Scholarship.png

Nicolas Tessede was awarded a Hastings District Flying Club (HDFC) Scholarship in 2018. In 2019 he was named the HDFC Student Pilot of the Year. He went on to gain his Commercial Pilot Licence. Nicolas passed away in July 2026. He was a beloved member of the HDFC community.

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In memory of Nicolas, the HDFC is offering three flying scholarships valued at $4,018 each.  

 

Scholarship sponsors are the Tessede family friends, Matthew Baker, The Hastings District Flying Club and Recreational Aviation Australia.

 

Applications close Friday, 30 October 2026.

The Scholarship

Each scholarship is composed of:
Monetary Value          $3,433
HDFC Membership    $110
RAAus Membership   $335
Theory Book               $100
Logbook                     $40

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Upon accepting the scholarship, candidates will contribute $1,500 giving them a flying fund of $4,933. Please note this is not quite the expected cost of a Recreational Pilot Certificate (approx. $8,000).

Training

Flying training will be in the Sling2 aircraft under the tutelage of one of the club’s Recreational Aviation Instructors. The training will lead to a Recreational Aviation Australia pilot certificate. Lessons can be arranged 7 days a week.

 

We are one of the leaders in Recreational Flying Training. Our enthusiastic team of instructors draws on experience from many facets of aviation and will ensure that your flying training is conducted thoroughly, professionally and to the highest standards.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must be -

 

Aged between 14 and 20 years

Submit their most recent school report, if they are studying

Outline why they would like to learn to fly

Take a Trial Introductory Flight to assess aptitude at a cost of $160

Applications

Applications Close on Friday 30th October 2026

Meet some of our Flying Scholarship Students

Luke Everson.jpg

Luke Everson

Gained Pilot Certificate on 26th November 2025

Ben Tree.jpg

Ben Tree

Gained Pilot Certificate on 31st August 2024

Oliver Taylor after his first solo on 13 May 2021.jpg

Oliver Taylor

Watch his interview

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Cameron Bullock

Watch his interview

Flying Scholarship Winner Dimon Cooper.jpg

Dimon Cooper

Gained his Pilot Certificate on 13th August 2022

Amy Irving flying scholarship winner 2019.png

Amy Irving

2019 flying scholarship winner

Apply for 2026 Nicolas Tessede Flying Scholarship here.

The Hastings District Flying Club

Gender
M
F

you're a student, tell us which school you are attending. If you're working, please tell us what you do for work and who you work for.

You agree to take a trial flight at a cost of $160.
Yes
No

A trial flight will let you experience what flying is all about. Our flying instructor will be be able to get to know you better.


Upon accepting the scholarship, candidates will contribute $1,500 giving them a flying fund of $4,933. Please note this is not quite the expected cost of a Recreational Pilot Certificate (approx. $8,000).

This is only required if applicant is under 18 years of age

We need your parent's consent if you are under 18 years.
I accept
I don't accept

Applicants under the age of 18 will need their parent's consent for this application.


Estimated cost of flying training at HDFC to obtain a Recreational Aviation Pilot Certificate

Minimum $8,000

HDFC membership (must have)

$110/year. First year membership is free to successful applicant.

RAAus membership (must have)

under 18 at $209/year plus $30 joining fee

over 18 at $335/year plus $30 joining fee

* please check RA-Aus website for latest fees

Basic Aeronautical Knowledge Theory Kit (BAK)

$100. Provided free to successful applicant.

Logbook

$40

BAK briefings (must do) 12 topics, about 12 to 15 hours

$50/hour

Air instruction (at least 20 hours, usually 20 to 25 hours)
Discount available for 10 hours pre-paid

$270/hour aircraft hire

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