The $1500 scholarships were awarded to St Josephs Regional College student Connor Warneken, St Paul's College Kempsey student Amy Irving and MacKillop College student Dior Toppazzini.

The beginner pilots have aspirations of being a Royal Australian Air Force officer, Royal Flying Doctor Service pilot and rural veterinarian pilot.

Sixteen-year-old awardee Connor Warneken, who has completed community work with the State Emergency Services said he hopes to become a pilot on jet or cargo aircraft.

"I've been in the Air Force cadets for nearly two years so I've got that interest in aviation. This scholarship allows me to start flying and go with that passion for aviation," he said.

"You get to see everything differently from the air and it's a different perspective on everything. Recently with the fires around Port Macquarie you can really see the areas that have been burnt out and the impact it has had.

"I'm extremely thankful to receive a sponsorship like this because it's something I probably wouldn't have been able to do without it. It's really vital in allowing me to follow that passion for flight."

Successful candidates cover $1,500 of their own funds to provide a combined $3,000 credit toward aircraft hire. Access to instructors, briefing costs, HDFC membership and Basic Aeronautical Knowledge theory kits are provided by the club.

The HDFC scholarship is awarded for professional interest in aviation. Scholarship training is valid for 12 months and leads to a Recreational Aviation Australian pilot certificate.

The HDFC has awarded 33 flying scholarships since 1961. The Club was formed in September 8, 1958 and now has a membership of 165 people.