Flying Companion Course

This course enables those who regularly fly with a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) holder or a National Private Pilot Licence (NPPL) holder to be more involved in their flights. It also helps to increase confidence when flying as a passenger.

The course is conducted by a qualified Flying Instructor. A candidate who wishes to continue instruction towards a PPL or NPPL upon completion the hours flown on the course can be used towards these qualifications.

Emergency Radiotelephony is included in the course but those wishing to assist with radio operations during flight on a routine basis are required to hold a Radiotelephony Licence. This is because training for the Flying Companion’s Certificate will not necessarily comply with the standard procedures and phraseology required by the applicant for a Radiotelephony Licence.

The course consists of a minimum of ten hours of ground briefing on:

• Air Law
• Principles of Flight
• Human Performance and Limitations
• Effects of controls
• How to make use of the instruments
• Aircraft systems that need to be monitored
• How to use the radio and transponder
• How Circuits are flown at an airfield
• How to understand the aeronautical map
• How to use the Emergency Services

Plus a minimum of eight hours of flight instruction covering:

• Straight and level flight
• Climbing, descending and turning
• Landing
• Map reading

It culminates in a simulated emergency with recovery to an appropriate airfield and a safe landing.

Upon completion of the course the application is sent to AOPA with a fee of £20 and the AOPA Flying Companion’s Certificate is issued.

Course Rates

If the course is prepaid in advance we offer the following reduced rates:

These rates include the minimum requirement of ten hours ground tuition and eight hours flying instruction.

Any additional flying time required to complete the course will be at the current dual hire rate. Additional Ground School is charged at £15 per hour.