The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) today announced the winners of its safety manager scholarship program aimed at boosting aviation safety in Australia.
Now in their second year, the scholarships – worth up to $5000 each – were awarded to Ashleigh May Jacka, Courtney Ryan, and Jaime Taylor.
CASA Director of Aviation Safety and CEO Pip Spence said all 3 scholarship winners demonstrated qualities essential to the role of aviation safety managers – a profound commitment to aviation safety, professionalism, and a natural enthusiasm for their chosen profession.
‘Safety managers play a pivotal role in ensuring that aviation operations are conducted with the highest standards of safety. Their dedication and vigilance are essential to maintaining the integrity and reliability of the aviation system,’ Ms Spence said.
‘The aim of the scholarship is to provide recipients with support to continue developing and enhancing their safety manager skills.
‘I would like to congratulate Ashleigh, Courtney and Jaime on their success and commend them for their dedication to aviation safety.’
CASA’s scholarship program provides financial support to safety managers who are committed to the development of a healthy aviation safety culture within their organisations and help expand their knowledge and skills through professional development.
The three winners work at a diverse range of aviation organisations, with different levels of aviation experience.
Ashleigh is a qualified safety officer for the aviation and skydiving divisions at Experience Co Adventure Makers, an Australia-wide adventure and tourism leisure business. She’s also the organisation’s safety manager for its ‘There by Air’ division.
Courtney juggles both safety manager and pilot roles with Stirling Helicopters – a charter, pilot training course provider and aerial work specialist organisation based out Rockhampton.
And Jaime, an experienced commercial pilot, serves as both the safety and operations manager for Flinders Island Aviation Services, a charter and freight services operator in Tasmania.
Find out more about CASA’s scholarship programs on the CASA website.
Date 15 February 2024
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