Scholarship FAQ
Have questions about Aero Club of Buffalo scholarships? See below for the answers to some of our most asked questions.
Scholarship information to Aero Club members 2024 click here to download.
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What Scholarships does the Aero Club of Buffalo (ACOB) offer?
The Aero Club of Buffalo offers the following scholarships:
The Fran Bainbridge Flight Training Scholarship – $3000 (Funds Generously donated by the Aero Club of Buffalo Members & the Michael & Robin Lally Forward Foundation)
Fran Bainbridge was the “heart and soul” of the Aero Club of Buffalo. Fran joined the ACOB in 2003 and from then until 2017 served in various capacities with the club, during which she served as Vice President, President, Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee and Executive Secretary. An avid flyer, Fran flew a Bellanca Champion 7AC, a Searay Amphibian and a gyrocopter. Fran, without question kept the ACOB not only running but viable. The ACOB will always be grateful for her efforts.
This scholarship will be awarded to a flight student pursuing a private pilot or higher certificate.
Applicants for this scholarship must be between the ages of 17-25 and be a permanent resident or student within the WNY region as defined below*. The applicant must have a Student Pilot Certificate and have soloed by the due date of the application. All flight lessons must be taken within one of the WNY counties listed below*.
The Jim and Bob Lally Aeronatical Engineering Scholarship – $3000 (Funds Generously donated by the Michael & Robin Lally Forward Foundation)
Jim and Bob Lally were founders of the WNY sensor company, PCB Piezotronics. Both were extremely passionate about technology and aviation. PCB sensors are used in a myriad of aerospace applications, as diverse as flight flutter testing, ground vibration testing, wind tunnel and propulsion pressure testing, as well as structural health monitoring. The two brothers were strong supporters of university research through equipment donations and always had time for student engineers at the many conferences PCB attended. Starting as the underdog in the industry, they valued hard work, strong technical understanding supplemented with hands-on/test validation, and practiced servant leadership as the company grew to prominence in the industry.
This scholarship will be open to junior or senior college students who embrace the values of Jim and Bob Lally and how they plan to advance in their own technical pursuits.
Applicants for this scholarship must be between the ages of 17 and 25 and be a permanent resident or student living within the WNY region as defined below*. They must be planning a career in the field of aviation, to include, but not be limited to, a mechanical or aerospace engineering student. This scholarship is offered to endorse and assist student efforts in pursuing their education or career in aviation.
The Thomas P. Kopera Post-Secondary School Tuition Assistance Scholarship (Funds Generously donated by the Aero Club of Buffalo Members)
Not offered Spring 2024
Awarded to be used toward a degree program or other training. Applicants for this scholarship must be between the ages of 17-25 and be a permanent resident or student living within the WNY region as defined below. Planning a career in the field of aviation, to include, but not limited to: A & P mechanic, aerospace engineer, airport manager, aviation educator, air traffic controller, commercial or airline pilot. This scholarship is offered to endorse and assist your efforts in pursuing your education/career in aviation. Funds awarded may be used for the purpose of related books, materials, aircraft rent and instructor time or tuition expenses.
How much funding does each scholarship provide?
Funding is determined yearly. Funding has ranged from $1500 to $3000 per scholarship.
What county should I reside in to be considered for a scholarship?
To be eligible for consideration, candidates must reside in or be a student in one of the following counties: Niagara, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Monroe, Livingston, Allegany, Wayne, Ontario, Yates, Seneca, and Schuyler.
Who funds these scholarships?
Currently funding for these scholarships is generously supported by the Aero Club of Buffalo Members and Michael & Robin Lally Forward Foundation.
What forms do I need to fill out?
Applicants will need to read through the Scholarship Criteria and fill out the two-page application and comply with all requested information asked of the applicant.
When will the scholarships be awarded?
Both scholarships will be awarded at the Niagara Aerospace Museum’s Hall of Fame Dinner to be held May 10, 2024 at Banchetti’s Restaurant in Amherst, NY.
Who should I contact if I have a question?
Please contact Scholarship Chair Pamela Crassidis at pcrassidis@gmail.com.