The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has once again awarded its annual aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) scholarships, to help boost the aviation maintenance industry in Australia.
This year, 22-year-old Hudson Dagge from the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), based in Perth, has been named a recipient of the award.
Aviation safety starts on the ground, with engineers playing a vital part in ensuring aircraft are fit to take to the sky.
Worth up to $5,000, the scholarship helps recipients fast-track their career, gain the skills and experience they need to become licensed aircraft maintenance engineers, and unlock exciting opportunities in the aviation industry.
Growing up in the remote regions of Northwest and Far North Queensland, Hudson is no stranger to the important role the RFDS plays in supporting people in rural Australia.
‘Living on a station north of Cloncurry and a rural property outside Cooktown, I’ve had firsthand experience with the RFDS transporting family and friends during times of need,’ Hudson says.
‘So, it’s not lost on me how important it is that I carry out my job to the best of my ability, to keep RFDS planes in the air. It’s a role that I’m immensely proud of.’
CASA Chief Executive Officer and Director of Aviation Safety, Pip Spence, commended Hudson for his dedication and professionalism.
‘As a recipient, Hudson has demonstrated a strong commitment to aviation safety and a genuine passion for his chosen career path,’ Ms Spence says.
‘Having shown initiative, technical aptitude and a desire to learn, we look forward to seeing Hudson’s continued contribution to the aviation industry.’
Hudson joins Queensland-based pair Aaron Pollard and Jacob Mani as recipients of the 2025 CASA AME Scholarship.
The trio was selected from more than 70 applicants who are all working hard to make a difference to the safety culture of the organisations they work for, and across the wider aviation industry.
Media contact: CASA Media 1 300 773 806 [email protected]
27 June 2025
