Pilots-in-Training Awarded Scholarships

Toby Stefure will always remember the excitement of being a passenger when his uncle James Gruben flew. “Landing with the float plane at the harbour in Tuktoyaktuk was always cool as a kid,” he said. “My cousin Sheldon Lundrigan is also a pilot, he flies for Canadian North, I was inspired by him too.”

Toby traveled avidly after graduation from grade 12. “I went to Australia, Jamaica, Mexico, Florida…then I worked for my uncle Eddie Gruben in construction. Now, I am finally ready to go for it, to become a pilot myself.” The thirty-three year old moved from Tuktoyaktuk to Edmonton this June, with his wife and two children in tow, to pursue his dreams. He has saved up enough from construction work to be an aviation student full time until he attains his private license. Then, he plans to get his commercial license.

“I hope to start a bush plane company in Tuktoyaktuk one day,” he said. His determination to succeed allowed him to be one of the eight recipients of this year’s Aviation Career Development Program bursary. The award is given to recipients based on their scholastic history, career plan, an essay explaining their interest in a career in the aviation industry, and two letters of recommendation.

“Hopefully, I’ve saved up enough, but the $5000 bursary will help to pay rent,” said Toby. He is flying every other day now, building up to his fourty hours of flight experience for the first license.

“ We are learning to do spins and stalls right now, it’s exciting. With flying, you have to be on the ball at all times,” Toby said, “There are so many numbers to remember, radio calls and situations, but it is awesome to get up in the air, I feel so free.”

Toby is happy with his move to Edmonton. “Life is good,” he said. “My wife Paula is going to school, and we also wanted our kids to get a better education.”

Lanita Thrasher from Paulatuk was awarded the same bursary last year and this year. We congratulate both recipients on their abilities being recognized by the NWT Department of Transportation!