A new season's flying and the AOPA Mentoring Scheme

[Chris Royle]

Spring is almost here, the weather's improving, and despite all the difficulties in getting aloft, our thoughts turn to the forthcoming flying season.
But maybe you are hesitant? Feel a bit unsure?
Then help is at hand. See the attached text that has been circualted widely to flying schools, clubs and AOPA Corporatre members.
Want to add something to your flying?
A new purpose? New Horizons?


You are not alone. Too many GA pilots give up for lack of challenge.

For the last decade there has been a steady downward trend in the number of new Pilot licences issued. Fewer than 50% of JAR FCL licences are renewed at the first renewal date after issue.

We at AOPA want to help you stay in flying, increase your confidence, knowledge and enjoyment

So whether you want to fly further, go abroad, or go to more interesting and challenging destinations, we have experienced pilots out there who are willing to give their time and share their flying knowledge with you. You can also easily get in touch with them through the AOPA Mentoring Scheme.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), an association for Pilots as much as for Owners, has developed a VFR Mentoring Scheme. We have a number of experienced Pilots who are willing to be a Mentor to you and help you extend and enjoy your flying experience, and keep you flying.

There are some formalities, but it is very easy for you to sign up to be a Mentee and have access to the Mentors ready and waiting to help you.

A Mentor will work with you in a non-instructional environment to help, and be with you, as you plan and take a flight. You will choose what you want to get out of the flight, you will plan it and you will fly it as PIC, with your Mentor alongside you on the ground and in the air to give advice and guidance.

There is no charge for the service.

AOPA Mentors do it out of a love of flying and for the joy of helping people grow their capabilities and confidence.

You can read all about the Mentoring scheme and see how to join through our website at http://www.aopa.co.uk.

If you are an FI or CFI reading this and the website details, and can see the merits of such a scheme in your Flying School/Club, then AOPA can help you set it up to be run within your organisation. You will see that it is not an alternative to instruction. Rather it is aimed at keeping pilots flying, building experience and improving safety outside the instructional environment and buying more hours in your aircraft and more instructor time for revalidations and, perhaps, more ratings. One thing we promise: if a Mentor thinks that a mentee needs instruction then he or she will be recommended to come straight back to you.

http://WWW.AOPA.CO.UK and click on Mentoring Scheme