Companions course
AOPA certification for those who fly with a pilot
Would you like to be more involved in the flight and be more confident and useful as a passenger?
This course will prepare you to have the confidence to take over in an emergency.
Course objectives
Our certificated Companions Course has been created with you in mind. As a passenger it will increase your enjoyment and the confidence you have in the cockpit when you accompany a Private Pilot.
It has been created by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and can be completed with us in as little as 2 weeks or up to 12 months, depending on your schedule.
Once you gain your certification, you will be able to assist a PPL holder in flight and to navigate, whilst most importantly have the tools to take over the controls in the event of an emergency
Achieve your Completion Certification from AOPA – a nationally recognised flight qualification.
Course content
Theoretical knowledge
10 hours of briefings and lectures given by your Flight Instructor, specifically including:
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Air Law understanding
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Principles of Flight knowledge
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Human Performance and Limitations guidance
Flight instruction
8 hours in the air undertaking practical training in the following:
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Primary effects of flying controls
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Use of flight instruments
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Radio operation
Flight exercises
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Cockpit familiarisation
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Climbing and descending the aircraft
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Monitoring aircraft systems
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How to make a safe landing
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How to read an aeronautical map
Perhaps you are a pilot who would like their partner or friend to gain essential experience in case of an emergency.
Or simply want to better share the joy of flying, through gaining a hands on understanding of piloting a light aircraft.
When enrolling on this course, you will also become an member of Cambridge Aero Club: Which includes invitations and entry to our Winter Enrichment program, plus other events and pub meets held by Cambridge Aero Club throughout the year. A great chance to meet up with other pilots and their families as part of our community.
Needless to say, this is a great opportunity for anyone who is aviation minded who wants to be part of a friendly social community and to attend lectures and events. We are always here for you to pop in for a friendly cup of tea!
So what if you catch the flying bug?
Although the course does not in itself lead to a pilot’s licence it must be conducted by a fully qualified Flight Instructor.
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It is appreciated that some flying companions may wish to continue training for the PPL and 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 PPL.
