Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association UK

AOPA UK is a not-for-profit organisation which exists to serve the interests of its members as aircraft owners and pilots, promoting the economy, safety, utility, and popularity of flight in general aviation aircraft. We cater for all pilots and owners of any kind of general aviation aircraft, including fixed-wing singles and twin piston and turbine, airships, sea planes, helicopters, microlights, gliders, and balloons. AOPA works for all aircraft owners and pilots, campaigning for better regulation within the UK and Europe rather than just specialist needs of particular sections of aviation. We complement the work of representative organisations dealing with particular interests, such as gliding, homebuilts, vintage, warbirds, microlights, instrument rated pilots, business flying, instruction and the plethora of other methods of getting into the air.

AOPA UK provides the vital voice that speaks for the interests of UK pilots, for issues including and not limited to airspace access, aerodrome access, threats of aerodrome closure, pilot licensing, over regulation, and flying costs. It speaks not only to the UK authorities but to Europe and the rest of the world through IAOPA’s seat at ICAO, the United Nations body that oversees civil aviation throughout the globe.

We provide advice and support to our members in all areas of General Aviation (GA), including when they are threatened with prosecution for alleged violations of aviation legislation.

AOPA UK provides incentives for further flight training and pilot development beyond ordinary licence standards, by means of the Wings Award Scheme and other Training Courses (such as theAerobatics, Radio Navigation and Flying Companion certificates), as well as courses for instructors (The Ground Instructor Certificate; and the Instructor Refresher Seminars).

We publish most of the work we have been doing through our magazine, AOPA UK.