Pilot mentoring service launches
A free mentoring service and website resource designed to provide support to cadet/graduate pilots across the training aviation community was launched at the end of May. Named Resilient Pilot, the not for profit initiative offers free mentoring support for pilots across the industry, whether they are still undergoing training, have recently graduated, or are already employed. According to Resilient Pilot founder, Senior First Officer...
Skyborne launches ‘Flying Start’ initiative
Skyborne Airline Academy is giving prospective cadets a ‘Flying Start’ by temporarily waiving selection fees for all EASA/UK CAA Integrated and Combined Modular ATPL applicants. Until the end of July 2020, prospective trainees seriously considering a career as an airline pilot will be able to complete Skyborne’s online psychometric and aptitude tests and video interview assessment for free, saving £250. Lee Woodward, Chief Executive...
Microlight aircraft flight hours to count towards EASA PPL recency and revalidation
European representative body Europe Air Sports (EAS) has claimed a victory after finally convincing the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to permit hours flown in fixed-wing microlights to count towards the recency and revalidation of an EASA PPL or LAPL. Ever since the advent of EASA (2003), the Agency has refused to recognise hours spent flying fixed-wing microlights being included in the minimum currency requirement for...
Jersey Aero Club closes after 70 years of trading
One of the UK’s oldest flying clubs has called it a day, 70 years after it was first established at Jersey Airport in the Channel Islands. According to a letter sent to all members by chairman Jim Buckley, the organisation has been trying to come up with a plan to restructure itself in recent months. However, it has been deprived of any income as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and towards the end of May it took the decision to...
Notes from a small airfield, by Tad Higher
Sinking-in-the-Marsh Flying Club will be closed until further notice. But we are still here. So, how are you? Walter stood in his boxer shorts and greying T-shirt cleaning his teeth. He had four days of grey stumble on his chin. It was half-past twelve, and he and Quentin were both contemplating their first meal of the day. Having moved to the club, they had adapted well to Lockdown in Sinking-in- the-Marsh. Though smelling a little...
Can socially-distanced flight training work?
Although commercial pilot flight training recommenced at a number of Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) in the UK towards the end of May, at the time of writing, flying clubs and PPL schools remain in lockdown. The message from UK Government is that it is too early to restart all forms of flight training just yet, but there is a glimmer of hope that July could see some return to the skies for flying schools and clubs. As reported...
