QSA Sports Aviation Grants – Applications
QSA has established a Sports Aviation Grants Program funded through the Regional Development Levies (RDLs) to foster and develop sports aviation projects in S-QLD. SAFA members may apply for Sports Aviation Grants at any time of the year, and may apply either before a project commences or after it has been completed. The amount awarded to successful applications will depend on funding availability, and awarded funds must be spent within 12 months of receipt.
The purpose of this grant is to foster sports aviation in Queensland, which includes hang gliding, paragliding, paramotoring and weight shift microlighting.
To apply for the grant, please download the application form using the link below, fill it out and send it to president@qsa.asn.au.
DOWNLOAD FORM TO APPLY FOR GRANT
Eligibility To be eligible for the Sports Aviation Grant you must be:
- a current SAFA member
- a current resident of Queensland
Selection Criteria and Procedures
All applications will be considered by the QSA management committee, who will rate applications according to the (1) prospective benefits to the sport, (2) alignment with QSA values and SAFA objectives and principles, (3) feasibility, and (4) past success of applicants in completing similar projects.
Members of the QSA management committee who have a conflict of interest with regard to an application will not participate in the rating of that application or any competing applications.
Outcomes
QSA will consider project applications at the next scheduled committee meeting following receipt of the application and will inform applicants of the outcome. Applicants will usually be notified within 2 months of receipt of their application.
Reporting Requirements
Applicants must provide a record of expenditure of the funds:
- before grant funds are released for retrospective applications; or
- within 12 months of receiving grant funds for prospective applications.
Past Successful Project Grants
Sit-on mower for launch maintenance (2025)
The inaugural grant was awarded to Wicked Wings to assist them in their efforts to maintain the launch sites that they manage. The grant contributed to the purchase of a sit-on mower, which was subsequently complemented by a trailer and additional equipment acquired by the club. Together, these investments have significantly improved the safety, accessibility, and usability of the sites for pilots.
Supporting the Canungra Sports Cup (2025)
The Canungra Sports Cup is one of the most important paragliding competitions in Australia and attracts pilots from all over Australia and overseas. In 2025, it was limited to sports class en-C gliders and below, providing many pilots with their first experience of competition flying. New regulations forced the organisers to spend more money than anticipated on organising this event for all pilots, and the QSA management committee decided to cover part of these additional costs to express our support for this event and help preserve this important event for the S-QLD flying community in the future.
Support for the Jedi Glide Academy (2026)
The Canungra Club (CHPC) organised the Jedi Glide Academy (2-4 May 2026), an event specifically designed to help PG2 and PG3 pilots to gain cross-country flying skills. In addition to mentoring and supervised flying, the event included camping and other educational and social events that allowed novice pilots to connect with more experienced pilots and learn from them. The QSA committee agreed to cover a potential budgeting shortfall to reduce the financial risks for this event and encourage similar pilot development initiatives in the future. According to attending pilots, the event was a resounding success.
Support for the Camp, Fly and Learn Event (2026)
The Sunshine Coast Free Flyers (SCFF) organised another highly successful flying weekend at Widgee Mountain, aimed at helping PG3 and experienced PG2 pilots take their first steps into cross-country flying. The event provided a great opportunity for developing pilots to gain experience and confidence with the support of more experienced pilots and mentors. QSA supported the event by funding a new launch tarp to improve launch safety, as well as covering participants’ camping fees and the hall hire for a reserve repack session.
Support for the Canungra Sports Cup (2026)
QSA again supported the Canungra Sports Cup for 2026, which is held from 26/9 to 3/10 at the beautiful Canungra flying sites – Beechmont, Tamborine or Hinchcliffe. This flagship event in S-QLD is again limited to sports class EN-C gliders, and 70 pilots. See Airtribune for details. We hope everyone has a fantastic week, with great flying, friendly competition and plenty of memorable Canungra days!
Support for Propfest (2026)
Propfest is an annual fly-in for paramotor pilots from across the region and also welcomes pilots who would like to learn more about paramotoring. In 2026, Propfest will be held at Wondai Airfield. Organised by Phil Burrows for the past few years, Propfest has become a staple of the regional paramotoring calendar and a great opportunity for pilots to fly, catch up, share their knowledge and introduce others to the sport. QSA is delighted to support the event again this year, and we hope everyone has a fantastic weekend of flying and catching up with old and new friends!
