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In 2024, the BC Aviation Council (BCAC) offered the largest single pilot training scholarship in the organization’s history, past chair Heather McCarley announced today. The new $20,000 Bain and Brown Scholarship is open to students enrolled in pilot-education programs at one of BC’s 42 Transport Canada certified flight schools. 
“Today’s launch of the Bain and Brown Scholarship achieves a significant milestone in the BCAC’s evolution,” said McCarley. “The Bain and Brown Scholarship will further the council’s effort to reduce the financial burdens of Canada’s future commercial pilots.” 
The Bain and Brown Scholarship was created through a donation from Ted Bain and his wife Nancy Brown. The BCAC did not solicit Bain and Brown – the scholarship resulted after Bain contacted the BCAC and expressed interest in making a donation. 
“When we first met with Ted, I really enjoyed hearing about his early involvement in aviation,” said McCarley. “Ted’s passion for aviation is infectious.” 
Bain and Brown wish to give back to the industry that has enriched their lives and brought them together. Bain is a certified commercial pilot. He formerly flew with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and RCAF Reserve.  
Brown is a retired flight attendant. The Vancouver-based couple met through a mutual friend who is an airline pilot. Ultimately, Bain and Brown are seeking to help prospective commercial pilots reduce their training expenses and fulfill their dream of an aviation career. 
“I think the price of an aviation education turns a lot of people away,” said Bain. “I would hate to see somebody who would love to become a pilot change career paths due to a lack of funds.” 
Bain and Brown are providing $20,000 annually for three years under the BCAC’s Scholarship Program. Following the three-year period, Bain and Brown will consider extending the scholarship and expanding their financial contribution via the council’s Canada-leading aviation and aerospace scholarship program. 
“The dramatic commercial pilot shortage is not only hitting Canada, but also the United States and other countries across the globe,” said Bain. “Helping one person, on an annual basis, to become a pilot is not very much in the big scheme of things. But, maybe, this scholarship will encourage more young Canadians to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. We also hope that our donation encourages other families and organizations to donate to the BCAC Scholarship Program.” 
The Bain and Brown Scholarship is among a record-breaking $150,000 in scholarships offered by the BCAC this year – a 65 percent increase from the $91,250 in scholarships bestowed in 2023.  
In addition to funding both private and commercial pilot training, the BCAC Scholarship Program helps students prepare for other aviation and aerospace careers, such as aircraft maintenance engineers, flight instructors, aviation operations and management, and general aerospace – all of which are in short supply as Baby Boomers retire. 
“BCAC members have stepped up as Canada’s aviation and aerospace industry faces extreme challenges due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other unprecedented disruptions,” said Dave Frank, the BCAC’s executive director.  
“Many companies have chosen to donate more even though their businesses are grappling with severe financial damage from Covid and a dramatic shortage of employees straining operations. Thanks to these growing contributions, the BCAC scholarships are an important part of the solution to our industry’s human-resources crisis and overall recovery.” 
This year’s 38 scholarship winners are celebrated Friday, October 18th at the Silver Wings Industry and Scholarship Awards Celebration in the Vancouver Convention Centre. This event is open to all. Details and registration are at bit.ly/SW24. 
The BCAC administers Canada’s largest Aviation and Aerospace Scholarship Program. Scholarship applications open annually on January 15. Applications must be made using the online form and reach our office no later than midnight April 30. To learn more, visit the BCAC Scholarship Applications webpage  https://www.bcaviationcouncil.org/scholarship-applications/ 
This press release was prepared and distributed  by the BC Aviation Council. 
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