UK AVGAS and AVTUR September price analysis
Fuel expenses are one of the biggest direct operating cost (DOC) any flight training organisation must face. Variations in global fuel prices directly influence the fuel surcharge rate charged by a flying school and student cost per flying hour (CPFH). Over the past 12 months UK AVGAS 100LL prices have been declining after maxing out at 270 pence per litre (ppl) in August last year. The average price of UK AVTUR Jet A1 in September...
Aeros biggest ATPL student intake to date
Aeros Flight Training welcomes a “record-breaking” entry of 32 ATPL theory students into its Gloucester Academy in October, and the biggest single course induction in the group’s history. The approved training organisation (ATO) also says that it is expects another bumper sized intake in January 2024. Nick Dunn, chief executive office at Aeros Flight Training said. “Aeros are delighted with this recent induction, we had a lot of fun...
BALPA’s scepticism about the global pilot shortage and upfront training fees
The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has issued a statement advising prospective pilots to be wary of current claims that there is an emerging worldwide pilot shortage. Broadly, BALPA’s view is that airline pilot recruitment is currently buoyant and may remain so for the foreseeable future, but at the same time any claims of a pending global pilot shortage are to be viewed with a strong dose of scepticism. “In 2023 we have...
Seaplane flight training in Scotland
The Flying Reporter travels to Scotland to engage in some flying training towards a single engine piston (SEP) Sea Class rating, and finds it to be some of the most, “thrilling and rewarding” flying available. The SEP Sea Class rating requires a minimum of 8 hours flying training, plus a skill test. Prior tailwheel flying experience is helpful before undertaking the course, although not essential as it helps a pilot to...
Cranfield airspace to be designated as drone trial area by UK CAA
Cranfield Airport has been selected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to participate in a temporary reserved area (TRA) regulatory sandbox to accommodate the operation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and manned aircraft in unsegregated airspace. The TRA designation will enable Cranfield Airport to host projects and trials that will help to integrate unmanned aircraft such as drones into shared airspace. Airport operations...
