The AOPA Flying Companions Certificate Course has been designed to increase the enjoyment, participation and confidence in flying for those who regularly accompany private pilots. This includes the safe recovery and landing at an appropriate airfield as a result of an emergency.
The course should be available from any flight training organisation that is a corporate member of AOPA. It has been structured to enable those who fly regularly with a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) holder to be more involved in the flight and, therefore, more confident when flying as a passenger. Some flying companions may wish to continue training for the PPL. If so the hours flown on the course may be counted towards that qualification. However, it should be noted that the syllabus is an abridged version of the early flight exercises and ground studies for the PPL and covers only parts of the training requirements for the Part-FCL PPL.
Similarly, those wishing to assist with the operation of the radio on a private flight would need to hold a Radiotelephony Licence and their Instructor will be able to advise how to achieve this. The training for this AOPA Certificate will not necessarily comply with the standard procedures and phraseology required by the applicant for a Radiotelephony Licence.
- To increase the enjoyment, participation and confidence in flying for those who regularly accompany private pilots Completion of at least 10 hours of briefings/ lectures given by a flight instructor at a level appropriate to the requirements of the course.
- Safe recovery and landing at an appropriate airfield as a result of a simulated emergency. This is not conducted as a test and use of Emergency Services may be made if available.
Satisfactory completion of the course will enable the candidate to obtain the Flying Companions Certificate.
The course consists of a minimum of eight hours dual flying with a qualified Flight Instructor conducted within a period of 12 months. This would normally be undertaken in the type of aircraft regularly flown with the student taking control from the appropriate passenger seat.
|
Theoretical Knowledge Instruction
|
Flight Training
|
Flight Exercises
|
(Click the three dots to download the pdf and to use the links.)
When you have completed the training course, complete the application form contained in the syllabus and have it certified by the the instructor(s) conducting the course.
The completed form should then be sent to AOPA along with advance payment of £25 to cover administration and issue of certificate.