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Aerobatic Development Funding |
Background
Each
year, in recent times, the BAeA
has apportioned a small amount of its limited budget to what we call
'development funding'. To date this has been limited to training
bursaries to pilots who move up between competition levels, awarded on
the basis of the annual Points Tables, and some contribution to the
costs of pilots and team managers representing the UK at international
aerobatic championships.
In
addition to this, David Cowden and Simon
Janvrin some years ago established the British Aerobatics Foundation
(BAeF) to raise money from external sources. The BAeF has not only
developed a scholarship scheme, to assist talented young pilots to enter
the sport, but has also provided additional funding to help the training
programme of our Unlimited Team pilots. |
Mazda UK Sponsorship
In
late 2008, Mazda UK Ltd announced its
intention to assist the BAeA by providing additional development funds
that we could invest in projects from the 'grass roots' upwards. This has enabled the
BAeA and BAeF to significantly increase the development budget and
provide a much needed boost to pilot training and awards. Whilst
the Mazda sponsorship per se is aimed at powered aerobatics, this
initiative will also enable increased funding of the development of
glider aerobatics from BAeA internal budget. |
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The 2009 Bursary Scheme |
Power:
Based on the final 2008 points tables, the BAeA will award Mazda
Bursaries to 4 Standard, 3 Intermediate and 2 Advanced pilots who move
up a level to fly in the 2009 National Championships. The amounts
awarded will be £500 for Standard, £750 for Intermediate and £1000 for
Advanced. This can be used not only cover coaching fees but also make
some contribution towards fuel costs in training. Coaches should be
members of the Association and have competition experience at a higher
level than that for which the training is being given, other than for
Unlimited coaching which should only be given by a more experienced
Unlimited pilot. |
Glider:
BAeA Bursaries for glider pilots in 2009 will be awarded to 3 Sports, 2
Intermediate and 1 Advanced pilots. The sums awarded will be £300, £500
and £750 respectively. The same general conditions apply regarding the
selection of coaches for training. |
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Pilots wishing
to take advantage of this scheme should discuss their intentions
with Steve Green, BAeA Head of Competition, at the earliest possible
opportunity to establish
their eligibility and register for the award, at which stage
details such as the nomination of an appropriate trainer and the
scope of the assistance to be funded in that season can be established.
Don't wait - do it now! |
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Power Nationals Prize Money
Lastly, the 2009 power nationals will be titled the "Mazda British
National Aerobatic Championships" and some small cash prizes will be
awarded, ranging from £100 for Bronze at Standard to £500 for Gold at
Unlimited.
Sponsorship Co-operation. |
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British Teams Support
Additionally, Mazda funding will benefit both the
Advanced and Unlimited Teams who will be competing in international
competitions in 2009. This significant additional support will be
administered by the BAeA for the Advanced pilots and by the BAeF for the
pilots flying at WAC 2009. |
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BAeF Scholarships
The BAeF will also be able to spend a total of £6,000 in 2009 on its
Mazda Scholarship candidates. |
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Your co-operation and support please
...
This is certainly the first time since
the early 80's that we have been able to benefit from such generous
assistance from a private sector company. Naturally, the BAeA Board of
Directors wish to take all possible steps to ensure that this good
fortune might continue for more than just the current season. Therefore
it will be a requirement that all power pilots receiving these
additional funds co-operate fully with Mazda in exploiting the publicity
and media coverage that our sport can generate. Details of PR projects
will be discussed with recipients on an individual basis as the season
progresses. |
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