
where people who believe in your flying dreams come together since 1958
Incorporating Port Macquarie Recreational Aviation and
Port Macquarie Flying School
Operates 7 days a week, since 1958
Is this the start to your flying career?
Apply for the HDFC Flying Scholarships 2023
Application closes on Tuesday 31st October 2023
OR
The Hastings District Flying Club (HDFC) is offering two $1,500 flying scholarships to promote aviation to the youth of the Hastings District.
About the Flying Scholarship
Since 1961, HDFC has been offering flying scholarships. The first recipient was 17-year-old Jimmie Higgins. In 2006, the flying scholarships were reintroduced. Since its inception, approximately 42 scholarships have been awarded. Jimi Ludriks, a Wauchope boy was one of the inaugural recipients and is now a Boeing 747 First Officer with Cathay Pacific.
The scholarship amount is $1,500. HDFC membership and BAK theory kit will also be provided by the club.
Upon accepting the scholarship successful candidates will contribute an equivalent $1,500 which then gives them $3,000 credit toward flying training. Please note this is not the expected full cost of a Recreational Pilot Certificate.
Scholarship training is valid for 12 months.
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 -
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Aged between 14 and 20 years
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Submit their most recent school report, if they are studying
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Outline why they would like to learn to fly
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Take a Trial Introductory Flight to assess aptitude at a cost of $160
Applications
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Close on Tuesday 31st October 2023
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You can apply online or
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Download our form, fill it in and post to P.O. Box 115, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444
Some of our scholarship flying students




Cost of Training
Recreational Aviation Pilot Certificate
Estimated costs
TOTAL minimum $7,000
HDFC membership (must have)
$100/year
RAAus membership (must have)
under 18 at $199/year plus $30 joining fee
over 18 at $325/year plus $30 joining fee
* please check RA-Aus website for latest fees
Basic Aeronautical Knowledge Theory Kit (BAK)
$100
BAK briefings (must do) 12 topics, about 12 to 15 hours
$40/hour
Air instruction (at least 20 hours, usually 20 to 25 hours)
Discount available for 10 hours pre-paid
$240/hour aircraft hire