VAI Announces the Pete Riedl AMT Scholarship, New for 2026

Vertical Aviation International (VAI) announces an exciting new scholarship to be offered in its scholarship program this year. The award is presented by Robinson Helicopter Company to honor the memory of Pete Riedl, VP of Engineering for two decades and a longtime mentor.

The scholarship awards one recipient full tuition plus a stipend of $1600 to attend an aviation maintenance course at Robinson Helicopter Company’s training facility. In addition, the scholarship recipient receives a complimentary full registration to VERTICON (formerly HAI HELI-EXPO®) for the recipient and a guest (hotel and travel expenses are the responsibility of the scholarship winner and guest). 

VAI offers scholarships in aviation maintenance, commercial helicopter pilot ratings, and pilot safety. Applications are due Nov. 14, 2025. Any VAI member can apply for a scholarship. 

To learn more about VAI scholarships and how to apply, visit www.verticalavi.org/scholarship.