Brandon Flight Centre
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/03/2025 (210 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Two students from Brandon Flight Centre — Ashton Osudar and Braydon Fothergill — have been awarded $5,000 scholarships to support their aviation training.
The scholarship will help alleviate the financial burden of flight training, Fothergill — who is currently working toward his commercial pilot’s licence — told the Sun at the centre on Tuesday.
Having obtained his private pilot’s licence in September, he is now advancing to the next stage while also working full-time in aircraft maintenance at the flight centre.

Missinippi Airways representative Ricky Brenton (right) presents the Manitoba Aviation Scholarship to Brandon Flight Centre student Braydon Fothergill during the Manitoba Aviation Conference banquet at Holiday Inn Express Polo Park Winnipeg recently. (Submitted)
“It definitely means a lot,” Fothergill said. “Flight training is expensive, costing over $300 per hour for dual time, and you need 200 hours to obtain your commercial licence. Any financial support goes a long way.”
He applied for the scholarship through the Manitoba Aviation Council, which offers multiple awards annually, sponsored by local aviation organizations such as Calm Air, Fast Air and Missinippi Airways. Fothergill’s scholarship was provided by Missinippi Airways, a northern-based airline. Interestingly, his connection to the organization dates back several years when he worked on a vehicle for one of its representatives while living in The Pas.
“That was a cool moment at the awards banquet,” Fothergill said. “It also reinforced how valuable networking and work ethic are in aviation.”
Beyond the financial benefit, the scholarship offers recipients opportunities to connect with key figures in the industry. Fothergill highlighted the importance of these connections for securing future job prospects.
The scholarships recognized the two students’ dedication and involvement in the aviation community, Brandon Flight Centre program co-ordinator Jullian Borreson told the Sun.
“Osudar and Fothergill stood out for their dedication and volunteerism,” she said in an interview. “Their willingness to participate in aviation events and engage with the community made them excellent representatives of the industry.”
Each year, the council distributes scholarships to aspiring pilots across the province and this year, 10 awards were granted, with Osudar and Fothergill being the two successful recipients from Brandon, she said.
Fothergill hopes his achievement will inspire other students to apply.

Fast Air representative O’Danis Fast (right) presents the Manitoba Aviation Scholarship to Brandon Flight Centre student Ashton Osudar. (Submitted)
“There aren’t as many applicants as you’d think, so if you’re considering aviation, definitely go for it,” he said. “The hardest part of this career path is getting that first entry-level job. Scholarships like this help not just financially but also in making the right industry connections.”
Looking ahead, Fothergill aims to work with a regional airline such as Missinippi Airways before progressing to larger carriers like WestJet. He is optimistic about his future in aviation and encourages others to pursue their passion despite challenges such as training costs and job market fluctuations.
» aodutola@brandonsun.com
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