2022 Phoebe Omlie Scholarship Award Recipients Announced

The Aerospace Maintenance Competition showcases the talent required of aviation maintenance technicians to maintain aircraft and spacecraft in safe, airworthy condition. To further support of our future mechanics, AMC is proud to provide scholarships in recognition of Phoebe Jane Fairgrave Omlie, the first female to receive an FAA aircraft mechanic’s license in 1927. Phoebe helped show the world that women were just as capable as men in repairing and maintaining aircraft.

The award recipients are as follows:

• Joshua Schilinski is pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Technology, Flight & Maintenance at Liberty University, School of Aeronautics in Lynchburg, Virginia where he is completing his third year. He grew up in Cameroon, Africa where he saw firsthand the importance of aviation in the developing world. That experience led him to work with an aviation humanitarian organization before attending college. His references site his exemplary character, integrity and leadership skills, as well as his work ethic. He is noted for his ability to work well with others, including as a competitor on the AMC team. Mr. Schilinski’s goal after college is to use his skills as an aircraft mechanic to promote aviation safety in the developing world while working with an aviation humanitarian organization. Mr. Schilinski was awarded a $5000 scholarship provided by the Aerospace Maintenance Council, as well the Jim and Alice Rice FAA Testing Fees Grant provided by the Northrop Rice Foundation.
• Rebecca Waring is a first-year student at the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania where she has already distinguished herself by being elected class president and being selected for her school’s AMC competition team, the only one to have ever been selected in her first semester. She grew up going to airshows and being fascinated by aviation but never considered a career in aviation until recently. After a career change brought on by the impacts of the pandemic, she began working in the automobile industry. Finding that work interesting and challenging, she began looking for other mechanic opportunities and came upon an ad for PIA. She decided to meld her love for aviation with her love of maintenance. Her references commented on what an exceptional student she is, how she has maintained an A average in her theory classes and is also doing excellent hands-on work in the shop. Ms. Waring is looking forward to a bright future in aviation maintenance. Ms. Waring was awarded a $5000 scholarship provided by the Aerospace Maintenance Council, as well the Jim and Alice Rice FAA Testing Fees Grant provided by the Northrop Rice Foundation.
• Penelope Wood is a student at George T. Baker Aviation Technical College in Miami, Florida. Ms. Wood is pursuing her studies with distinction, maintaining an almost straight A average in her courses, and is lauded by her professors for her excellence in her schoolwork and in her mechanical abilities. They also note her outstanding teamwork and her willingness to help others. Ms. Wood plans to continue her maintenance education after acquiring her Airframe &Powerplant certificate by studying avionics. Her professional goal is to become a Maintenance Director and one day open her own engine shop. Ms. Wood hopes to inspire other women to consider aviation maintenance as a career. Ms. Wood was awarded a $1000 scholarship provided by TechForce Foundation.
• Shelby Quillinan is a rising senior at Embry-Riddle University in Daytona Beach, Florida where she is majoring in Aviation Maintenance Science, with a concentration in Maintenance Management. She was inspired to go into aviation be her parents who both worked in the airline industry. Ms. Quillinan‘s professors note both her academic and technical skills, stating that she demonstrates the high-level of leadership, attitude, integrity and fortitude needed to excel in the aviation industry. She plans to further her knowledge of avionics and serve as a role model to others in the aviation maintenance field. Ms. Quilinan was awarded a $1000 scholarship provided by TechForce Foundation.

The scholarship is supported through the generous contributions of AMC participants and sponsors. During the 2022 competition, Snap-on donated 500 screwdrivers that were originally meant for the cancelled 2020 event. Those screwdrivers were given out in exchange for donations to the scholarship fund where over $11k was raised.

For more information and to apply, visit www.aerospacecompetition.com/scholarship. Applications for next year's award will open in January 2023.