Training & Education Working Group

AOPA has a very strong corporate membership, many of whom are involved in flight training.  In addition to this many of our pilot members are current flight instructors, chief flying instructors and examiners.  Until the inception of JAR, the forerunner of EASA, AOPA oversaw the appointment of PPL flight examiners; most of the PPL syllabus that pilots train to was written and produced by AOPA.  The Training & Education Working Group is responsible for all matters that revolve around training and flight safety.  The committee itself is made up of some of the UK's most experienced instructors and examiners, bringing with them great depth of knowledge across a broad range of training experience.

The working group normally meets four times a year and reports to the Board of Directors.

Over the years the Training & Education Working Group has developed a number of training modules for AOPA that extend pilot experience and safety.  These include:  The AOPA Aerobatics Course at three levels developed in conjunction with the British Aerobatic Association, the AOPA Ground Instructor Certificate and the AOPA Flying Companion Course. The Training & Education Working Group was also a prime mover in developing the IMC rating and the National Private Pilot Licence, producing the original concept document and syllabus for the NPPL and continues to offer advice to all pilot licence holders.

AOPA was the first organisation to receive CAA endorsement for Pilot Recognition for Operational Upskilling and Development (PROUD), the Training and Education Working Group having developed the criteria for the AOPA Wings Award Scheme.  This is intended to recognise and encourage the development of private pilots to further their experience levels and flight safety awareness.

It is a major provider of CAA-approved instructor refresher courses and offers discounts to instructor members who participate in these seminars.