Costello Insurance Primary Training Youth Scholarship

Pat Costello, of Phoenix, AZ, is the owner of Costello Insurance Associates, Inc., which is the largest writer of glider insurance in the United States. Pat is well known to most SSA members as the administrator of SSA’s group hull and liability insurance program, a service he has provided to SSA since 1984. During his administration of the program, Pat has been a tireless advocate for SSA with the insurance carrier, advocating for a number of enhancements and benefits to the SSA insurance program. Pat is a lifelong pilot with over 4,000 hours in the cockpit. He maintains a commercial license with multi-engine, instrument and flight instructor ratings. He is an occasional glider pilot and has introduced his grandchildren to glider flying in the hopes of encouraging the next generation of pilots. For a number of years, Pat has been a financial supporter of the Soaring Safety Foundation. Pat’s current pledge of an annual gift of $4,000 from Costello Insurance is intended to fund primary training of youth toward private pilot glider ratings.

Pre- & Post-solo SSA members STUDENT pilots 14 – 22 years old may apply. Applicants must express both desire and a plan for success and if under 18, must have parent/guardian support for participation. Applicants must make a good case through a personal statment, in the form of an essay, and letters of recommendation supporting their interest and desire in learning to fly gliders, their financial need, and their promise in other aspects of life. The flight training organization must be willing to cooperate on the reimbursement process.

Pre-solo Student Pilot Applicants: up to two $2000 Awards in SSA credit for direct flight training expenses. $1250 will be available initially. The remaining $750 will be available following solo.

Post-solo Student Pilot Applicants: up to two $2000 Awards in SSA credit for direct flight training expenses. $1250 will be available initially. The remaining $750 will be available following successful completion of the FAA Knowledge Test.

Detailed invoices of flight training expenses must be invoiced to the SSA for payment to the servicing organization. No expenses will be paid two years after the date of the award announcement or beyond the 23rd birthday.

Promotion and fulfillment of the program are a cooperation between SSA, which administers and judges the scholarship, and local soaring chapters, clubs, and schools, who get reimbursement for their qualified charges; tows, glider rental, instructional costs, and costs of successful exams. Funds are not available for dues, joining fees, or other non-training costs.