A scheme for award of 'Flying Scholarship' has been introduced under the aegis of AR&DB with a view to indicate a realistic appreciation of performance and handling aspects of aircraft. It is expected that the opportunity provided through this scheme would result in improved interaction between the practicing aeronautical Scientists / Engineers and the Operational crew.

Applications for award of these scholarships will be received at AR&DB from Aeronautical R&D Scientists / Engineers / Students who are sponsored by their respective organisations with the confirmation that the sponsored candidate(s) would be accepted by the concerned flying club for flying training.

Flying under this scheme would be restricted to approx. 60-70 hrs. per year per trainee and the scholarship would be tenable at any recognized flying club. Also normally only a maximum of 70 hrs. flying / candidate would be provided under this scheme.

The scholarship amount would be paid directly to the institution to which the Scientist / Engineer / Student is attached or to the concerned flying club.

A selection committee with Secretary, AR&DB as Chairman and Members drawn from DGCA, Aeronautical Industry, R&D Organisation, Academic Institution and a Test Pilot would be constituted. The Committee would review all applications received during the year and make suitable selections. The total number of flying scholarships each year would be limited to 15.

An upper age limit of 35 years would apply in all cases and the candidate would have to satisfy requirements regarding aptitude and medical fitness as per prevailing rules under DGCA. He will sign an indemnity bond in favour of his sponsor, AR&DB and the flying club.

The amount of scholarship will cover all expenses connected with flying, including flying club membership as necessary. Expenses on transport to and from the flying club would be regulated as per admissible Road Mileage allowances under existing rules. The scholarship will not cover any other incidental expenditure including examination fees, if any.