Christine Grimard
Northern News Services
Published Monday, August 13, 2007

TUKTOYAKTUK - An aspiring pilot from Tuktoyaktuk will get a little help thanks to a $5,000 bursary he received July 27.

A total of $60,000 was awarded to students this year as part of the Aviation Career Development Program - a partnership between the Department of Transportation, Canadian North, and the Northern Air Transport Association.

This year, Discovery Air and Adlair Aviation also contributed, leading to the highest amount given out since the program's establishment in 2001.

Toby Stefure from Tuktoyaktuk is currently living in Edmonton with his wife Paula, his six-year-old son Tucker, three-year-old daughter Tiki and seven-month-old daughter Marley. Stefure finished his private flying training this year, and will be taking commercial aviation next year.

"I've been driving a truck most of my life, I needed a change," said Stefure about why he decided to become a pilot.

With lessons and licences costing thousands, he said the $5,000 will be a big help to pay his rent.

Applicants for the program must be residents of the NWT for a minimum of two years and be accepted to an academic or technical aviation program.