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Here’s a quick guide to the various categories you can expect to see when browsing through AvPay.
Aeronautical charts are essential for helping pilots navigate not just from A to B, but also helping them navigate through the complex layers of airspace that is found throughout the world. Airspace is divided into different Flight Information Regions or FIRs and each FIR is responsible for ensuring an air traffic service is provided to aircraft flying within it. FIRs can be split into vertical sections, where the lower region remains an FIR and the upper region an Upper Information Region (UIR). FIRs and UIRs are divided into different Airspace Classes: Class A, B, C, D, E and G. Class G is open airspace, class E is for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and Visual Flight Rules (VFR) use and IFR aircraft need ATC clearance, Class D is controlled airspace and both VFR and IFR traffic need ATC clearance, Class C in the UK extends from Flight Level 195 and both VFR and IFR require clearance. In Class A airspace, only IFR flying is permitted. Airspace is divided-up into Airspace Types: Control Zones or CTZ protect aircraft within the vicinity of aerodromes, Controller Areas or CTA protect aircraft operating close to but not inside a CTZ, Airways are corridors of airspace that connect Control Areas, Upper Air Routes are corridors that are above Airways and Restricted and Danger Areas protect aircraft from flying into dangerous areas. Charts come in a variety of sizes and the most popular for recreational flying are the 250 mil and 500 mill maps. Aeronautical charts can be bought online via the AvPay Flight Equipment Company Directory.
Aircraft Accessories & Equipment
Aircraft accessories are designed to make it easier for you to look after your aircraft, such as cleaning products, fuel sample cups, oils and lubricants. Airfield equipment can include items such as wind socks and control tower lightbulbs. Flying equipment is designed to help you free-up mental capacity, so that you can focus more on your flying and on your lookout. For example an effective kneeboard can be a great tool to help you plan-out your route, air band frequencies and also help you note items while you fly, such as regional pressure settings and ATIS details.
There’s a huge range of aircraft accessories out there and care should be given, to ensure the equipment you use is both practical and compliant. Accessories include air band radios, aircraft checklists, aircraft guides, aircraft care products (such as cleaning and oils), avionics (such as GPS, ADS-B), cockpit cameras and cockpit camera mounts, cockpit posters, charts (such as 250 mil and 500 mil aeronautical charts), flight guides, flight simulation (flight simulator companies can be found here), flight training materials (such as aerobatics, gyrocopter, helicopter, microlight, CPL and PPL training manuals), aviation iplates headsets (such as SEHT headsets), instructor manuals, log books, navigation devices (such as flight computers, pens plotters, protractors), pilot bags, cases and headset bags, pilot clothing, pilot flight boards and kneeboards, survival and safety equipment and watches.
Search and pay for Aircraft Accessories & Equipment on the AvPay Aviation Marketplace and Directory. Browse and contact companies that sell Aircraft Accessories & Equipment service, such as fuel testing cups and screw drivers. Aircraft accessories & equipment can be bought online via the AvPay Flight Equipment Company Directory.
There’s a large range of aircraft cleaning products available on the market and care should be given to ensure you use the right one, that won’t cause any damage to your aircraft or equipment. Find the right cleaning products for your aircraft and not only will you enjoy a fresher, cleaner cockpit, but the performance of your aircraft could be improved (and your fuel bill reduced), since dirt accumulated on the fuselage and wings causes skin-friction-drag.
Some alcohol-based products can damage aircraft paint and it can be costly, to remove an aircraft’s avionics to re-paint the cockpit panel. Some ammonia-based-products can damage aircraft windscreens, by causing micro-sized cracks which can obscure a pilot’s vision. Some wood care treatments are not suitable for aircraft, since they can trap dirt and other impurities, which can cause damage to aircraft and propeller surfaces. Certain chlorine bleaches can have a lasting-impact on aircraft toilet vacuum systems, since they can wear-away protective seals. Their toxic fumes can also prove dangerous, especially when they’re mixed with other chemical fluids found in aircraft toilet systems. Other cleaning products can cause a fire-risk. Always consult the Aircraft Operating Handbook to find the correct product for your aircraft. If ever in doubt, we recommend contacting your local aircraft maintenance organisation. Aircraft maintenance organisations can be found, here: https://avpay.aero/aviation-maintenance-companies/
Cleaning products include vacuum cleaners (vital for removing cockpit floor dirt, that could hinder a pilot’s performance), carpet cleaners, hard floor cleaners, screen cleaners (for aircraft instruments), glass cleaners (for aircraft canopies) and shampoo solutions for cleaning and waxing aircraft exteriors. Aircraft Cleaning Products can be bought online via the AvPay Flight Equipment Company Directory.
Aircraft Covers protect aircraft from moisture, heat and the sun. Some are even padded, to protect them from adverse weather such as snow and hail. They also protect engine (and other) larger intakes from wildlife. Over the years, birds have been known to nest inside uncovered aircraft and insects have been known to be found in uncovered pitot tubs and static vents. A blocked dynamic or static port would lead to incorrect airspeed or altimeter readings, so it’s really important that you find the right cover to protect your aircraft. Aircraft Covers can also protect an aircraft’s canopy Perspex from clouding over time, which is an affect of cosmic radiation. Aircraft Cover Manufacturers can be browsed on the AvPay Aircraft Cover Directory.
De-icing vs Anti-icing. What’s the difference?
Some aircraft are specially kitted with equipment that’s designed to be turned-on before an aircraft enters Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI) conditions. This is anti-icing equipment. The most common type of anti-icing system in use with aircraft today are de-icing boots. These are flexible rubber-like boots that inflate and deflate with aircraft, on ice-prone areas of the aircraft such as wing and tail leading edges. De-ice boots have been used for a number of years and were even fitted to aircraft as old as the Boeing B17 Flying Fortress, during World War Two.
Electrical heating systems are also commonly used on propellers and windshields, to prevent ice forming on an aircraft’s surface.
Another common anti-icing and de-icing system is TKS, which is a weeping wing system that spreads low freeze point fluid over the aerofoil. This system can be used both to prevent ice in an anti-icing function, or after ice has accumulated in a de-icing function.
Some aircraft are fitted with air bleed systems on engine inlets, wing leading edges and probes (such as pitot tubes).
Anti-icing and de-icing fluids can also be sprayed over aircraft by airport equipment, prior to an aircraft’s departure. De-icing and anti-icing products can be bought online via the AvPay Flight Equipment Company Directory.
When paying either Aircraft Deposits or Aircraft Remaining Balances, we recommend using a reputable aircraft sales broker, or an escrow agent. An escrow agent is a financial entity whereby money is held by a third party, on behalf of both the buyer and seller of an aircraft, while the aircraft transaction is taking place. Once both parties are ready to complete, the escrow process takes place between the time the seller accepts the offer and the buyer taking ownership of the aircraft. The time it takes to complete a transaction via escrow all depends on the particulars of the deal. Items such as finance, liens and outstanding items from Pre-Purchase Inspections (PPI) can prolong the process.
When selecting an Aircraft Ferrying Service, it’s important you pick a pilot that has the relevant experience and qualifications to deliver your aircraft not just safely, but in a timely manner. Ask to see their logbooks to view their experience on the type of aircraft you need ferrying and ask for recommendations, before making your decision. You should also check that the ferry pilot is insured to fly your aircraft and that either they or the aircraft is suitably equipped to fly the route you’re requesting. Some ferry pilots have access to facilities that can fit aircraft ferry tanks to your aircraft, which are large bladder fuel tanks that are temporarily fitted to the interior of the aircraft, in order to prolong its range. The ferry pilot will need to have the correct type-rating to fly your aircraft and you should check they are qualified to fly the planned route. For example a pilot in Europe with an EASA license (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) may not be permitted to fly within North America, unless they have had supplementary FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) training. Find an aircraft ferry service on the AvPay Aircraft Ferry Pilot Directory.
Aircraft & Flight Equipment are designed to make it easier for you to look after and operate your aircraft. Aircraft equipment includes cleaning products, fuel sample cups, oils and lubricants. Flight equipment is designed to help you free-up mental capacity, so that you can focus more on your flying and on your lookout. For example an effective kneeboard can be a great tool to help you plan-out your route, air band frequencies and also help you note items while you fly, such as regional pressure settings and ATIS details.
There’s a huge range of aircraft accessories out there and care should be given, to ensure the equipment you use is both practical and compliant. Aircraft & Flight Equipment include air band radios, aircraft checklists, aircraft guides, aircraft care products (such as cleaning and oils), avionics (such as GPS, ADS-B), cockpit cameras and cockpit camera mounts, cockpit posters, charts (such as 250 mil and 500 mil aeronautical charts), flight guides, flight simulation (flight simulator companies can be found here), flight training materials (such as aerobatics, gyrocopter, helicopter, microlight, CPL and PPL training manuals), aviation iplates headsets (such as SEHT headsets), instructor manuals, log books, navigation devices (such as flight computers, pens plotters, protractors), pilot bags, cases and headset bags, pilot clothing, pilot flight boards and kneeboards, survival and safety equipment and watches. Flight Equipment can be bought online via the AvPay Flight Equipment Company Directory.
Browse and contact companies on AvPay, to find the most suitable and cost-effective service provider for your aircraft. Ensure your service provider is qualified and competent to handle your aircraft. Different aircraft have different operating procedures. You should check whether your handler has an International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling certification. This is an award given by the International Business Aviation Council. You will need to provide the service provider with information in advance, such as crew and passenger information, aircraft registration, certificate of airworthiness, insurance and your schedule. Different service providers have different procedures and you may need to provide some companies with more notice than others, of your intended arrival. You should confirm your equipment needs in advance with your supplier, since they may need to acquire the correct equipment for your aircraft, such as chocks, tie-down equipment, control locks and aircraft canopy covers. If you require fuel for your onward flight, you should inform the service provider so that they can make the correct arrangements. Airport Services can be found on the AvPay Airport Directory.
Browse and contact companies on AvPay, to find the most suitable and cost-effective option for your aircraft. Ensure your hangarage service provider is qualified and competent to handle your aircraft. Different aircraft have different operating procedures. You should check whether your handler has an International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling certification. This is an award given by the International Business Aviation Council. Use spotters where possible, to help you park your aircraft. Position them at the back of the aircraft and on each wing tip, so that you can ensure adequate clearance from other aircraft and obstructions. Use aircraft tugs where possible, to move aircraft more easily. Do not taxy aircraft into or start aircraft engines while in a hangar. Always chock your aircraft when in a hangar, in case gusts of wind enter the hangar through the doors. Be careful how you position the chocks, since farings can be damaged if tyres deflate. Take care around propellers and do not use them to push or pull the aircraft, until you have checked the Master Battery Switch is in the off position. Place drip trays under each engine cowling, to help you monitor leaks. Always use canopy cover, to prevent canopies from clouding over time through the effects of cosmic radiation. Hangarage can be booked on the AvPay Hangarage Directory.
Aircraft Hire falls under two main categories: Wet Hire and Dry Hire. Wet Hire includes the fuel you’ll burn while operating the aircraft, while Dry Hire does not. When wet hiring an aircraft, you should keep hold of your receipts if you refuel, as you’ll be able to claim the money back from the organisation from which you’re renting the aircraft. In addition to the fees to pay for hiring an aircraft, you may need to pay other fees such as landing fees, parking fees, hangarage fees and check ride fees. You should check with your flying school on these, before booking an aircraft. Some organisations will require you to complete a check ride with an instructor before you can hire their aircraft, as this can sometimes be a condition of their flying school insurance policies. Before renting a new aircraft type, we’d always recommend flying with an instructor first, to familiarise yourself with the new aircraft type. Sometimes, instruments and levers can be located in places you’re not expecting them, such as the flap indicators on a Cessna 150 and Cessna 152. Both aircraft look pretty similar from the outside, however inside the cockpit on a Cessna 152 the flap position indicator is by the flap lever. On a Cessna 150, it’s above the pilot’s head, by the Outside Air Temperature Gauge. Instead of hiring a flight instructor, you may want to hire a safety pilot, to join you on your first flight.
Aircraft rental can be booked on AvPay for single engine piston aircraft, multi engine piston aircraft, turboprop aircraft, jet aircraft (although with this type of aircraft you’re more likely to either lease or charter the aircraft with a crew), gyrocopters, microlights, piston helicopters and turbine helicopters. Find a flying club or school that offers aircraft hire here.
Aircraft Hire (with Instructor)
Hiring an aircraft with an instructor typically includes the fuel required to fly the aircraft. This may not be the case with every flying club or training school, so you should verify costs before booking a flight. The fee you pay for instructor hire is usually added to the dry hourly rate to hire the aircraft. Fees for both the aircraft and the instructor are calculated based on the amount of time the engine was running for, which for fixed-wing aircraft is done via the Hob Meter and for helicopters via the DatCon Meter. Instructor hire can be booked for all sorts of aircraft types, including single engine piston aircraft, multi engine piston aircraft, turboprop aircraft, jet aircraft (although with this type of aircraft you’re more likely to either lease or charter the aircraft with a crew), gyrocopters, microlights, piston helicopters and turbine helicopters. Find a flying club or school that offers aircraft hire here.
Browse and compare pricing for apron, taxiway, grass, overnight, hourly, weekly, monthly and annual aircraft parking. If using a handling company, we recommend checking they are compliant and up-to-date with the latest procedures for moving your aircraft, as procedures can vary between different aircraft types. If not using a handling company, we recommend using at least 3 people to move your aircraft – 1 person on each wing and then another person at the front of the aircraft, to direct the wing-walkers. In strong winds, it’s recommended to add additional people, to act as “stoppers”, at the wing roots. You may want to consider carrying a set of chocks in your aircraft, along with tie-down equipment and aircraft covers. Care should be taken to ensure the chocks do not come into contact with the wheel farings. If leaving your aircraft for a prolonged period of time, we recommend setting the aircraft into wind, to limit the effects of wind and gusts on the airframe. You might also want to use control locks, to prevent the control surfaces from moving freely in the wind. Caution is advised around the propeller and the master switch should always be in the off position, before pushing or pulling aircraft from the propeller. If the aircraft has been stored for a prolonged period of time, it’s advisable to perform a detailed inspection of the airframe, to ensure that no damage has been inflicted upon the airframe. Aircraft Parking can be found on the AvPay Airport Directory.
Aircraft Petrol, Oil & Lubricant (POL)
Finding the right oil for your aircraft engine is absolutely essential and it’ll pay dividends by reducing your maintenance and operating costs. You should consult the Aircraft Operating Handbook to make sure you purchase oil of the correct viscosity – if the oil you use is too thick, it’ll increase fluidal friction. One of the side-effects here is that you’ll burn through fuel a lot quicker than you should. If your oil is too thin, you could increase the wear on your engine as the lubricant film will not adequately protect your engine. You should change your engine oil on a regular basis, to remove contaminants from your engine oil. It’s advisable to change the oil filter when changing the oil. You should monitor your aircraft engine’s oil consumption after each flight, by checking the dip stick. If your aircraft engine is consuming oil at a rapid rate, it could be an indication that there’s an underlying issue that needs investigating by an aircraft mechanic, such as worn seals. Find your nearest Aircraft Maintenance Organisation, here: https://avpay.aero/aviation-maintenance-companies/.
There are different types of aircraft fuel and most aircraft use either Jet A1 or AvGas. Jet A1 (formerly known as kerosene) is used to power turbine engines (such as jets and turboprops). Jet A1 fuel is coloured red, to help avoid mixing it up with other fuel types, such as AvGas. AvGas is typically used to fuel piston aircraft (such as single engine pistons and twin engine pistons), which require higher octane fuel. AvGas fuel is coloured blue. Since AvGas is relatively expensive, there’s an increasing shift towards alternate fuels such as MoGas and electric. Aircraft POL products can be bought online via the AvPay Flight Equipment Company Directory.
Aircraft services vary vastly from airport-to-airport. Generally speaking, the bigger the airport, the more options they’ll offer. Options can include aircraft cleaning, aircraft handling, aircraft maintenance, aircraft parking, aircraft toilet maintenance, aircraft towing, aircraft water replenishment, baggage waste disposal, baggage & freight handling, catering, chocking, de-icing, equipment hire (such as tugs or airside vehicles), executive lounge access (FBO), flight planning, Ground Power Unit (GPU) connections, hangarage, marshalling, meeting and conference room facilities, pushback, ramp facilities, refuelling, replenishments (such as oxygen and other gasses). When looking for a service provider, you may wish to consult a Flight Support Company, who will be able to search and find the most appropriate and cost-effective option at each airport. Flight Support Companies can be browsed, here.
Aircraft Towing is a vital necessity for airport terminal operations, since most aircraft cannot reverse by themselves from their parking position at the airport terminal. When an aircraft is moved backwards by a tug from its parking position at an airport terminal, it’s called a “Push Back”. There are several manufacturers of aircraft tug and even more ground handling companies, that can offer the service. When picking a ground handling company, it’s important to ensure that they are competent and qualified to offer the service for your aircraft type. Procedures vary from aircraft-to-aircraft and so does the equipment, such as aircraft tow bars. One way to check for compliance is by checking whether the ground handler meets the IS-BAH (International Standard for Business Aircraft Handlers) standards for best practise. When manoeuvring an aircraft, it’s recommended to use wing walkers, to avoid wing-tip strikes and there should always be a trained member of staff sat in the cockpit at all times, to apply the brakes when required. Communication is essential during aircraft handling and an aircraft should not be moved, until two-way-communication has been established between the tug operator and the cockpit. Aircraft towing can be booked on the AvPay Airport Directory and the AvPay Flight Support Directory.
An Aircraft Valeting service can be an extremely convenient way of keeping your aircraft in pristine condition at all times. When picking your service provider, it’s important to check they only use approved aviation products on your aircraft, since some non-aviation-approved products can damage paint or introduce toxic fumes into the aircraft cabin or cockpit. Aircraft Valeting includes:
Exterior: this removes insects from the aircraft leading edges and can include a full wet or dry clean and polish, ceramic coatings and paintwork restoration, brightwork buffing, removal of de-ice/anti-ice fluid, tyre dressing.
Interior: this can include either a basic or deep interior aircraft clean which can cover aircraft vacuuming, cockpit clean, upholstery shampooing, leather care, wood polishing, equipment re-stocking, fumigation, decontamination and galley clean. Find an aircraft cleaning company on the AvPay Aircraft Valeting Directory.
There are a lot of variables when it comes to valuing an aircraft. Naturally the older an aircraft is or the higher the hours, the lower the value of the aircraft will be. There are also supply and demand issues which can affect an aircraft’s value and this was seen during the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic reduced new aircraft production, which forced anybody looking to upgrade their existing aircraft to purchase a pre-owned one. This in turn reduced the number of aircraft for sale on the market. Since aircraft were still in high demand, this turned the aircraft sales market into a seller’s market and the price of some pre-owned aircraft either stabilised or went-up in value.
Aircraft upgrades generally have either a stabilising or a positive effect on aircraft value (depending on the upgrades) and upgraded interiors and avionics are a very noticeable attribute among older aircraft. Mission-specific modifications such as aerial survey equipment can also affect the price buyers are willing to pay, however this ultimately depends on what reason the buyer is purchasing the aircraft for. Some modifications actually improve an aircraft’s overall performance (such as Blackhawk upgrades) and this will generally have a positive effect on an aircraft’s value.
Legislation has been known to affect aircraft pricing and this has been seen with several aircraft types, when new laws were introduced. There are strict environmental laws for aircraft flying within Europe and this prevented a lot of the older Russian commercial jet aircraft (as well as others), from flying to certain airports and this naturally has an impact on both buyer motivation and aircraft asking price. The value of older aircraft can also drop significantly when new airspace laws are introduced. An example of this is when the ADS-B Out Rule came into effect, as this prevented any non-ADS-B equipped aircraft from flying in certain airspace classifications. It was simply too expensive to retrofit certain lower value aircraft with the necessary modifications, so a lot of older aircraft ended-up having to be parted-out or sold as salvage aircraft.
Interior and Paint Condition also affect an aircraft’s asking price in the same way it affects a car’s – the better the condition of the aircraft, the more people will be willing to pay.
Approved Maintenance Programs (AMP) also affect the value of an aircraft, since these define the work required to keep an aircraft in an airworthy condition, thereby potentially saving the future owner a lot of money in maintenance costs. There are generally two types of cover – that offered by the manufacturer (OEM) and that offered by a third party company (such as Engine Assurance Program or JSSI). When picking your aircraft cover, it’s important you understand factors such as how many hours you’re expecting to fly and what level you’ll be covered for. Ultimately these programs are designed to provide peace of mind.
An aircraft’s logbook can significantly affect an aircraft’s price and can be worth 30%-50% of an aircraft’s price. Without an aircraft logbook, you cannot tell what maintenance or remedial work has been carried-out on the airplane. For example the aircraft may have suffered a gear-up landing, however without logbooks it would be impossible to sell (presuming the repairs had all been made!) When buying an aircraft without a logbook, it may therefore be necessary to invest a significant amount of money inspecting each part of the aircraft, before it can become airworthy again.
Other factors that affect an aircraft’s price include year of manufacture, equipment, inspection status and where the aircraft stands with its Time Between Overhaul (TBO) maintenance. An aircraft that has a fresh TBO is more likely to fetch a better price, since it should not require any further maintenance until the next TBO cycle comes around.
Airline Prep Courses are designed to help you ready yourself for your airline pilot training, be it support with your Private Pilots License, Commercial Pilots License, Air Transport Pilots License on airline-sponsored, integrated or modular courses. They’ll help you find-out whether becoming an airline pilot is a suitable choice for you and will help you prepare items for future interviews, covering items such as Airline Simulator Assessments, writing a strong CV and covering letter and Initiative Exercises. Some sim prep courses are designed to lead on to training with specific organisations, so investing in an airline prep course can really be worth the investment. Find a Flight Training Organisation that offers Airline Prep Courses here.
There are sometimes a lot of Airport Fees that need to be paid when flying to certain airports and you need to make yourself aware of them, before you fly. It’s normal for airports to charge a landing fee and an aircraft parking fee, however some airports have additional charges, such as air traffic control charges, runway charges (for the use of runways and taxiways), passenger charges (sometimes charged per passenger), security charges (for customs screening and baggage security checks), infrastructural charges (for using facilities such as airbridges, air stairs, airport terminals, baggage facilities and equipment), parking charges (these can vary greatly from airport-to-airport and usually depend on the aircraft’s maximum take-off weight (MTOW)), environmental charges (paid to local councils for noise and air pollution) and taxes (paid to the government or state). Airport fees can be found on the AvPay Airport Directory.
A lot of the time, there are more services available at an airport than a pilot or passenger might initially think. AvPay lets you browse all of the facilities available at an airport or airfield, before you fly there. Wow your passengers by booking something extra-special, for your next trip! Services include aircraft cleaning, aircraft handling, aircraft parking, aircraft baggage waste disposal, Ground Power Unit hire, aircraft hangarage, aircraft toilet service, aircraft stocks (such as snacks, food and drinks), aircraft cleaning and valeting, airside transfers, airport passenger transfers and security administration (such as passenger screening), ATC runway slot allocations, airport parking, airport apron co-ordination, catering facilities, customs and immigration, dishwashing, executive coach hire, executive travel options, fire and rescue cover (such as Cat 4, Cat 5 and Ca6 fire cover), flight-planning, fuel supplying (for AvGas, MoGas or Jet A1 fuel), helicopter transfers, hotel arrangement options, landing fees, laundry, aircraft newspaper re-stocking, out of hours requests, passenger facilities (such as Fixed Base Operator (FBO), corporate executive lounge, function room, conference room and meeting room hire), pet travel schemes, landing fees, touch-and-go fees, circuit fees, passenger processing fees and systems replenishment facility (such as Freon, oxygen, nitrogen, TKS and other de-icing fluid). Browse, book and pay for Airport Services on the AvPay Aviation Marketplace and Directory. If your airport, airfield of Fixed Base Operator (FBO) offers a range of different airport services and you’re not yet listed on the AvPay Directory and Marketplace, get in touch to get listed by emailing [email protected]! Airport Services can be found on the AvPay Airport Directory.
Air displays have been around since before the First World War, when individual pilots and small groups of enthusiasts used to gather to demonstrate aircraft, promote aviation and entertain the crowds. The world’s first air display is reported to have been the Grande Semaine d’Aviation de la champagne in Rennes, France, which was held in 1909. The world’s oldest aerobatic display team is the Blue Diamonds, which flew the F86 Sabre and were formed in 1952.
The larger air shows include the Le Bourget Show, Farnborough Air Show, the Dubai Air Show and the Singapore Air Show. The largest military air show in the world is the Royal International Air Tattoo, which is held annually at RAF Fairford, in the UK. The largest fly-in air and trade show is the EAA Air Venture, which is commonly referred to as “Oshkosh”. The larger aviation trade shows include EBACE (European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition) which takes place each year in Geneva, NBAA (National Business Aviation Association) which takes place each year and rotates between Orlando Florida and Las Vegas Nevada and Aero Friedrichshafen, which takes place each year in Friedrichshafen, southern Germany. Other popular aviation trade shows include AeroExpo UK, Private Flyer London and the HeliTech Expo, in London. Air Displays can be browsed and booked through the AvPay Air Display Directory.
Air Shows & Trade Shows
Air Show & Trade Show Tickets can be bought online through AvPay. Air shows have been around since before the First World War, when individual pilots and small groups of enthusiasts used to gather to demonstrate aircraft, promote aviation and entertain the crowds. Nowadays major events are held throughout the world. An Air show includes aircraft demonstration flights or aerobatics and a trade show involves a number of companies that gather in one space (such as an aircraft hangar), to promote their products and services from their trade show booths. The larger air shows include the Le Bourget Show, Farnborough Air Show, the Dubai Air Show and the Singapore Air Show. The largest military air show in the world is the Royal International Air Tattoo, which is held annually at RAF Fairford, in the UK. The largest fly-in air and trade show is the EAA Air Venture, which is commonly referred to as “Oshkosh”. The larger aviation trade shows include EBACE (European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition) which takes place each year in Geneva, NBAA (National Business Aviation Association) which takes place each year and rotates between Orlando Florida and Las Vegas Nevada and Aero Friedrichshafen, which takes place each year in Friedrichshafen, southern Germany. Other popular aviation trade shows include AeroExpo UK, Private Flyer London and the HeliTech Expo, in London. Buy your Air Show & Trade Show Tickets by browsing the AvPay Air Show & Trade Show Directory.
Air shows have been around since before the First World War, when individual pilots and small groups of enthusiasts used to gather to demonstrate aircraft, promote aviation and entertain the crowds. Nowadays major events are held throughout the world. An Air show includes aircraft demonstration flights or aerobatics and a trade show involves a number of companies that gather in one space (such as an aircraft hangar), to promote their products and services from their trade show booths.
The larger air shows include the Le Bourget Show, Farnborough Air Show, the Dubai Air Show and the Singapore Air Show. The largest military air show in the world is the Royal International Air Tattoo, which is held annually at RAF Fairford, in the UK. The largest fly-in air and trade show is the EAA Air Venture, which is commonly referred to as “Oshkosh”. The larger aviation trade shows include EBACE (European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition) which takes place each year in Geneva, NBAA (National Business Aviation Association) which takes place each year and rotates between Orlando Florida and Las Vegas Nevada and Aero Friedrichshafen, which takes place each year in Friedrichshafen, southern Germany. Other popular aviation trade shows include AeroExpo UK, Private Flyer London and the HeliTech Expo, in London. Buy your Air Show & Trade Show Tickets by browsing the AvPay Air Show & Trade Show Directory.
ATPL training (Airline Transport Pilots License) is the course you need to take, in order to become a professional pilot, such as an airline or cargo pilot. There are two options for ATPL courses: the integrated and the modular route. Modular courses allow you to study and sit exams in your own time, which is perfect for trainees that are still working full-time. Integrated courses are full-time study courses which involve around 6 months of study. To pass the course you have to sit 14 exams, which include Aircraft General Knowledge, Air Law, Flight Planning, General Navigation, Instrumentation, IFR Communications, Mass & Balance, Radio Navigation, Performance, VFR Communications. The pass rate for each exam is 75% and the bulk of the questions are multiple choice. Find a Flight Training Organisation that offers ATPL training here.
Donations to Aviation Charities can be made online through AvPay and Aviation Charities can list themselves on AvPay free of charge, by sending an email to [email protected]. Aviation charity profiles include an About Us section, a donations button, a reviews tab, a policies tab, a gallery tab, a pushpin map to help people locate their offices, information on opening hours and live social media feeds so that they can keep people up-to-date with their latest events and work through their profile. There’s an “Enquiry” button on each profile, so that potential volunteers can get in touch with each charity. Once a donation is made, the charity will receive an email confirmation and the payment will be automatically made via wire transfer, using our payment processor Stripe.
Aviation Museum Donations are always gladly received, since a lot of museums are run by volunteer organisations, with little funding but lots of enthusiasm and passion. The great thing with aviation museums that have actual aircraft (as opposed to aircraft models and other artefacts), is that there’s always a story behind each aircraft on display. Take the Avro Lancaster, at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre. Upon first glance, it may just look like any other aircraft. But consider that over 7,000 Lancasters were built. As of 2021, fewer than 17 remain and Just Jane is one of them! The aircraft even has a story. Originally built in Lancashire for deployment in the Far East, upon the surrender of Japan in 1945 the aircraft was put into storage in Llandow, until 1952. It was then sold to the French Naval Air Arm, where she flew for 10 years, before heading to New Caledonia (a French territory to the east of Australia), where she was painted white and used for cartography and air sea rescue. The French then presented the aircraft to the Historical Aircraft Preservation Society and in 1965 the aircraft began a long journey from Sydney Australia, over to Biggin Hill. Following a brief residence at Lavenham, the aircraft was put to auction at Blackpool Airport – an airport where members of the AvPay team learned to fly! The aircraft then stood at RAF Scampton as gate guard, the airfield from which the famous Dam Busters of 617 Squadron Flew. It was then purchased and brought to East Kirkby Airfield, where she remains today. Now consider the thousands of stories behind all of the aircraft sitting in aviation museums throughout the world, just waiting to be discovered! Donate to museums you care about on the AvPay Aviation Museum Directory
Aviation Museums can vary in size, from just a few artefacts to a whole range of aircraft from various time periods. They can be privately-owned, government-run or charity-run by a group of volunteers. The great thing with aviation museums that have actual aircraft (as opposed to aircraft models and other artefacts), is that there’s always a story behind each aircraft on display. Take the Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero, at the Commemorative Air Force, Southern California Wing. At first look, it may just seem like another aircraft. But consider that over 10,000 Zeros were built between 1939-1945. As of 2021, fewer than 10 remain in flying condition, making their Zero very rare indeed. The aircraft even has a story, having entered service with the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Group 3. It was then recovered in New Guinea in 1991 and then partly restored from other Zeros found in Russia, before being brought over to the United States for complete restoration. Now consider the hundreds of aviation museums there are throughout the world and the thousands of stories behind each aircraft, that are waiting to be discovered! Find your nearest aviation exhibit on the AvPay Museum Directory, here: https://avpay.aero/aviation-museums/
Museum tickets can vary from e-tickets, physical tickets (sent via post) and can include museum entry tickets, museum exhibition tickets and museum event tickets (such as presentations and talks). Find museums in your area with the AvPay Aviation Museum Directory.
Fixed Wing and Rotary aviation services cover a wide range of aircraft, including jet aircraft, turboprop aircraft, single engine piston aircraft, multi engine piston aircraft, microlights, experimental aircraft, homebuilt aircraft, light support aircraft, jet military aircraft, piston military aircraft, gyrocopters, paragliders, ultralight aircraft, piston helicopters and turbine helicopters. Services for these aircraft include aircraft cleaning, aircraft deposits, aircraft ferry flights, aircraft pre-purchase inspections, aircraft servicing (scheduled and non-scheduled aircraft maintenance such as A checks, B checks, C Checks, D checks, routine inspections, avionics upgrades), aircraft valeting and aircraft valuations.
Make the most of your journey through the airport, by holding a meeting while you wait for your flight. When searching for Conference Room Hire, it’s important that you find a room that’s suitable for the meeting you’re planning to hold. We recommend viewing pictures of the conference room before you book, so that you can ensure the table is big enough for your whole party to sit comfortably. We also recommend checking how flexible the service provider is with timing, in case your meeting lasts longer than anticipated. In advance of your meeting, you should ensure the facilities have the minimum equipment/services required for your meeting, such as an audio system (for video presentations), availability of drinks and snacks, comfortable seating, controllable lighting, plug sockets, projectors, secure wireless internet connection, television access, temperature controls, video conference equipment. Since airports can sometimes be quite large and have multiple terminals, you should verify the conference room you book is in the same airport terminal as your departure flight. You should also check that the facilities are in a quiet location and that they are private enough for you to be able to discuss sensitive matters, without having to worry about being overheard. Conference Rooms can be found on the AvPay Conference Room Directory.
CPL training (Commercial Pilots License) is the course you need to take, in order to fly an aircraft commercially. To apply for a CPL, you need to hold a PPL with at least 150 flying hours. You also need to have completed a minimum of 25 hours dual flight instruction, which includes 10 hours of instrument instruction and 15 hours of visual flight instruction. 5 hours of the instrument instruction can be taken in a simulator and at least 5 hours of the flight instruction must have been completed in a 4-seat aircraft, with a variable-pitch prop and retractable undercarriage. You will also need to have completed a minimum of 5 hours night flight instruction, among a few other prerequisites.
There are two options for CPL courses: the integrated and the modular route. Modular courses allow you to study and sit exams in your own time, which is perfect for trainees that are still working full-time. Integrated courses are full-time study courses.
To pass the course, you will need to sit exams in Aircraft General Knowledge (one for airframe and systems, electrics, powerplant, emergency equipment and another for instrumentation), Performance, Operational Procedures and Principles of Flight. Find a Flight Training Organisation that offers CPL training here.
Crew Facilities vary from airport-to-airport and generally speaking, the more business jet traffic at an airport, the better the crew facilities. Some airports are dedicated to business aviation and therefore offer the best facilities, such as crew gyms, crew rest rooms, crew quiet rooms, crew showers, crew snooze rooms with services including dedicated crew-baggage screening, dedicated concierge, dedicated ops and flight planning teams, direct airport ramp access, fast-track security, free parking, ground transportation, laundry, on-site customs and immigration clearance, on-site hotels and pet travel schemes. You can find-out which Crew Facilities and Services are available by contacting the airport directly, by contacting your aircraft handling partner or by contacting the FBO (Fixed Base Operator) that will be handling your arrival and departure. Crew Facilities & Services can be found on the AvPay Airport Directory.
Crew & Passenger Facilities & Services
Crew & Passenger Facilities & Services can sometimes be mixed into the same area, depending on the size of the airport.
Crew Facilities vary from airport-to-airport and generally speaking, the more business jet traffic at an airport, the better the crew facilities. Some airports are dedicated to business aviation and therefore offer the best facilities, such as crew gyms, crew rest rooms, crew quiet rooms, crew showers, crew snooze rooms with services including dedicated crew-baggage screening, dedicated concierge, dedicated ops and flight planning teams, direct airport ramp access, fast-track security, free parking, ground transportation, laundry, on-site customs and immigration clearance, on-site hotels, pet travel schemes.
Passenger Facilities are usually linked to the size of the airport. Airport Passenger Facilities can include items such as cash machines, mobile phone charging points, meeting rooms, postal services, prayer rooms, smoking areas, toilets and showers, trolley hire. Crew & Passenger Facilities can be found on the AvPay Airport Directory.
In order to attain any flying qualification, you usually need to pass a series of ground exams. For the Private Pilots License (PPL) you need to pass exams in Aircraft General Knowledge, Air Law, Communications, Flight Performance and Planning, Human Performance, Meteorology, Navigation, Operational Procedures, Principles of Flight. For the Commercial Pilots License (CPL) you need to pass exams in Aircraft General Knowledge, Air Law, Aircraft General Knowledge, Flight Planning and Monitoring, General Navigation, Human Performance, Mass and Balance, Meteorology, Operational Procedures, Performance, Principles of Flight, Radio Navigation, Visual Flight Rules Communications. For the Air Transportation Pilots License, you need to pass exams in Aircraft General Knowledge, Air Law, Flight Planning and Monitoring, General Navigation, Human Performance, Instrument Flight Rules Communications, Mass and Balance, Meteorology, Operational Procedures, Performance, Principles of Flight, Radio Navigation and Visual Flight Rules Communications. Find a Flight Training Organisation that offers exams on the AvPay Flying School Directory.
FAA Training is required to operate an aircraft as Pilot-In-Command (PIC) in the United States of America. FAA qualifications are awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is the regulatory body in the US for aviation. The equivalent of the FAA in Europe is EASA, which is the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. The international aviation body is called ICAO, which stands for International Civil Aviation Organization. The FAA was set-up in 1958, as an independent agency that was aimed at regulating the safe and efficient use of national airspace. FAA qualifications include the Private Pilots License (PPL), Certified Flying Instructor (Instrument), Certified Flying Instructor (Multi-Engine), Commercial Pilot Single-Engine, Commercial Pilot Multi-Engine, Instrument Rating. Search for FAA Flight Training Organisations on the AvPay Flying School Directory.
Tackle your phobia head-on, by enrolling on a series Fear Of Flying Courses through AvPay. Courses will help you identify the triggers that set-off your anxiety, to help you feel more relaxed when it comes to stepping aboard an aircraft. Courses also cover some technical information on aircraft and flying, to empower you with more knowledge that’ll help you realise how safe flying really is. Courses can be one-to-one, in classes with a small group of people, online via video link or online via a course. Browse the various Fear Of Flying Courses available or book a Fear-Of-Flying Flight with your local Flying School on AvPay, today!
Pilots use flight computers for a number of different reasons and there are are large number available on the market. They’re used for flight-planning and help pilots find-out information such as what heading to fly, ground speeds fuel burn calculations, arrival times, wind speed and direction, time en route. You can also convert units such as litres>gallons, miles>kilometres, kilograms>pounds. Pilots nowadays use both electronic and circular, analogue slide rules. Analogue computers come in all shapes and sizes and can be made from metal, plastic or paper. Search and pay for Flight Computers on the AvPay Aviation Directory & Marketplace. Flight Computers can be bought online via the AvPay Flight Equipment Company Directory.
Flight instructor courses are designed to prepare future instructors not just on how to deliver a syllabus, but also on how to safely operate an aircraft whilst conducting a flying lesson. Delivering an airborne lesson can be quite challenging at first, since an instructor needs to learn how to flow through the various teaching points in each exercise, while co-ordinating each of their demonstrations with the movement of the aircraft. For example when demonstrating adverse-yaw, an instructor needs to know that in order to give the best demonstration, the aircraft should be on a low power setting, in a slight bank and slightly nose-high-attitude, in order to give the best demonstration to the student, through the use of an aileron control input in the opposite direction to the direction in which the aircraft is banked. Once an trainee instructor has learned to deliver a syllabus, they will need to learn sortie management. Items such as using upwind anchor-points are really useful for helping an instructor focus on his patter, without having to constantly worry about updating their position. Recognising when to take control is also a vital skill that an instructor needs to develop early on. Every instructor remembers the “big bounce”, when they didn’t take control early enough while teaching a student how to land! Find a Flight Training Organisation that offers a Flight Instructor Course, by browsing the AvPay Flying School Directory.
Flight Simulator Experiences date back to the First World War, when gunners were trained to hit moving targets. Flight simulation was then brought to the next level at the end of the 1920s with the Link Trainer, which was used to help train pilots how to fly safely on instruments. Over half a million US pilots were trained on Link Simulators. In 1954 United Airlines bought four simulators as part of their commercial flight training and this was the start of simulator training as we know it, today. Nowadays flight sims are used for a wide range of applications, from training devices to recreation.
On AvPay you can book flight simulator experiences for the following aircraft: Airbus A320 here, here and here, Airbus H120 Helicopter, Bell 206 Jetranger, Boeing 737 here and here, Boeing 777, F18 Hornet, Rockwell Commander, Space Fighter. Click the links to book your simulator experience or browse the Flight Simulator Directory here.
Flying Club & Training Services
Flying Club & Training Services encompasses quite a wide area as both Clubs and Schools can offer a wide-range of aircraft training and aircraft hire services. In the UK you need to have flown 45 hours to get your Private Pilots Licence (PPL) and 30 hours for the Light Aircraft Pilot License (LAPL), including 10 hours solo. You’ll need to pass ground exams in Air Law, Human Performance, Meteorology, Navigation, Flight Performance and Planning, Aircraft General, Principles of Flight, Communications, Operational Procedures. You’ll also need to pass a solo Navigational Cross-Country Flight, pass a Radiotelephony Exam and pass the Flying Skills Test. Once qualified you’ll be able to rent aircraft from your local flying club or flying school. Alternatively you’ll be able to buy and fly your own aircraft. In order to stay in currency for carrying passengers, you’ll need to complete 3 take-offs and landings within each 90 day period. Some clubs and schools may also require you to have a monthly check with one of their instructors, to help keep you in good flying practise. Flying Club and Training Services in your area here.
Flying Club Membership can be purchased through the AvPay Flying Club Directory. A flying club generally consists of a group of people that are enthusiastic about flying. They usually have either a single aircraft, or a fleet of aircraft for club members to use, along with a few flying instructors to keep each of the flying club’s pilots in good flying practise. A lot of flying clubs offer flight training, which is ideal for people new to aviation since once they are qualified to fly, they can purchase a flying club membership and then rent their aircraft through a self-fly-hire scheme. Facilities between clubs varies considerably – some operate from former Second World War Nissen Huts at former wartime airfields, while others are located in airport Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), or executive lounges. Some clubs have their own aircraft hangars where their aircraft are parked, while others park theirs outside on the airfield.
Flying experiences can be a great way for you to get into aviation and there are a good number of different experiences you can book. Scenic Tours are designed to show you around the sights of a particular location, while tactical lessons are designed to give you a chance at being in the front seat. Thrill-seekers might enjoy an aerobatic experience but be warned – don’t forget to pack a sick-bag! Others might enjoy a flying experience that allows them to arrive at a particular venue in style. Many a helicopter operator offer a helicopter air taxi service that can take you to your wedding or your prom! People that want to experience controlling an aircraft should book a trial lesson. Most Flying Clubs offer some form of flying experience and these can be browsed here.
Flight Support Services encompasses all of the legwork to get an aircraft safely and legally from point A to point B, usually in the most cost-efficient means possible. They can be for military, passenger, cargo, private and corporate flights and include airport and airport apron co-ordination, airport parking, ATC runway slot booking, aviation authority co-ordination, catering, crew accommodation, crew security arrangements, crew transport, FBO access (Fixed Base Operator), fuelling, ground handling, flight planning, landing permits, navigational support, NOTAMs, operations management, permits, slot co-ordination, trip planning, VIP lounge access, weather updates. Flight Support Services can be found on the AvPay Flight Support Directory and the AvPay Airport Directory.
There are different types of aircraft fuel and most aircraft use either Jet A1 or AvGas. Jet A1 (formerly known as kerosene) is used to power turbine engines (such as jets and turboprops). Jet A1 is sometimes referred to as Avtur and is coloured red, to help avoid mixing it up with other types, such as AvGas. The other type of commonly-used turbine aircraft engine fuel is Jet B, which is used in cold climates, for its performance in cold-weather temperatures. AvGas is typically used to to power piston aircraft (such as single engine pistons and twin engine pistons), which require higher octane. AvGas is coloured blue. Since AvGas is relatively expensive, there’s an increasing shift towards alternate fuels such as MoGas and electric. Fuel services can be found on the AvPay Airport Directory
The Gift Cards listed on AvPay give website visitors the ability to browse a wide-range of aviation activities, which we hope they’ll find helpful when it comes to buying that someone special an aviation experience. Aviation Companies can use the Gift Cards function on AvPay to line-up future business and to stir-up more interest in aviation in their local communities. Gift Vouchers are particularly useful to Flying Schools and Gliding Clubs, who can sell flying experience vouchers to attract their future students. It only takes one flight to hook somebody on aviation and a lot of flying schools are able to convert a good percentage of voucher redeemers into long-term customers.
Aviation Ground School can be an excellent addition to any aviation study. Sometimes you just can’t get your head around certain topics and nothing can beat sitting one-on-one in a classroom, with an instructor. Most organisations charge an hourly rate for ground instruction, while others include ground instruction as part of their integrated courses. The ground exams you need to pass for your Private Pilots License (PPL) include Aircraft Knowledge, Air Law, Communications, Flight Performance and Planning, Human Performance, Meteorology, Navigation, Operational Procedures, Principles of Flight. You will also need to pass a Radiotelephony (RT) practical exam. Find a Flying School in your area that offers Ground School, on the AvPay Flying School Directory.
Ground Support Equipment (GSE) covers the equipment required at an airport, in order to manage aircraft while they’re on the ground. GSE covers two main areas: Non-Powered Equipment such as aircraft tripod jacks, aircraft servicing stairs, air starter units, chocks, dollies and Powered Equipment such as airport search and rescue and firefighting vehicles, belt loaders, buses, catering vehicles, container loads, de-icing vehicles, ground power units (GPUs), lavatory servicing vehicles, passenger boarding stairs, potable and non-potable water trucks, refueler trucks, tractors, transporters, tugs. Ground Support Equipment can be found on the AvPay Airport Directory.
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) products are highly recommended for loud aircraft, such as piston helicopters – you might be surprised at the difference they can make! Some have a Bluetooth feature, which you can connect to your tablet in order to hear audible flight information, when using flight-planning or tracking software. You can also connect Bluetooth-fitted-devices to your mobile phone, however we do not recommend using your phone during flight. For passengers, Bluetooth sets can be connected to tablets and phones, so they can listen to music and stream television shows during the flight. Some pilots experience discomfort and even headaches when wearing theirs, caused by their glasses being pushed against their head by their headset. Purchasing a set of aviation sun glasses that have thin temple arms should solve the problem. Headsets can be bought online via the AvPay Flight Equipment Company Directory.
In order to gain your Commercial Pilots License (CPL), you will need to have flown 150 hours as Pilot-In-Command. To reach 150 hours a lot of pilots rent an aircraft and spend a few weeks or months flying between airfields. There are two main ways of renting an aircraft to build your hours – dry leasing and wet leasing. A dry lease is when you rent the aircraft minus the fuel, meaning that you will have to foot the bill each time you need to refuel. A wet lease includes the fuel you need to fly. While you may have to use your card to pay for fuel at different airfields, you will be able to reclaim the amount paid by submitting your receipts to the organisation from which you rented the aircraft. Some flying schools offer hour-building-packages and they can be found on the AvPay Flying School Directory.
Fees for instructor hire are usually calculated on the amount of time the engine was running for, which for fixed-wing aircraft is done via the Hob Meter and for helicopters via the DatCon Meter. Flight Instructors generally charge an hourly rate, for ground schools and exams. Before booking an instructor, you should check that they are experienced in the aircraft you will be flying and that they hold the relevant qualifications to instruct. In order to instruct within the UK, instructors need to hold a current Private Pilots License or Commercial Pilots License as well as an Instructor’s Rating. Instructor hire can be booked for all sorts of aircraft types, including single engine piston aircraft, multi engine piston aircraft, turboprop aircraft, jet aircraft (although with this type of aircraft you’re more likely to either lease or charter the aircraft with a crew), gyrocopters, microlights, piston helicopters and turbine helicopters. Check-out the AvPay Freelance Instructor Directory here.
An Instrument Rating (IR) qualifies a pilot to act as Pilot-In-Command (PIC) of an aircraft under Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), which allows you to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) with a minimum decision height of 200 feet. Instrument Rating Courses can be taken for Aeroplanes, Helicopters and Airships. The course comprises of at least 10 hours instrument flying while under instruction, written exams and an airborne skills test. In order to qualify for an IR course, you need to already hold a PPL, CPL or ATPL and have completed at least 50 hours flying as PIC. Find Flight Training Organisations that offer IR Training on the AvPay Flying School Directory.
When flying to an airport, the aircraft operator will typically have to pay Landing & Circuit Fees. Landing fees are used to help maintain airport facilities such as runway and taxiway upkeep and to help pay for ATSU (Air Traffic Service Unit) staffing costs.
To attract new visitors, some airports choose not to charge a fee. Some airports in the US don’t charge a fee, as they’re subsidised by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). The fee paid depends on the aircraft type, weight, time of day (for example Out of Hours operations are more expensive), number of passengers and aircraft handling requirements.
Other related fees include touch-and-go fees, circuit fees, go-around fees and other Aircraft Traffic Control-related fees.
Search and pay for airport fees on the AvPay Aviation Marketplace and Directory. Check landing fees, touch-and-go fees and airfield circuit fees before flying somewhere new! Landing Fees can be found on the AvPay Airport Directory.
A pilot’s logbook is an important document that’s used to log every flight, including details such as landings, touch-and-go, who’s in command, where the flight was from and to, the conditions flown (Night Flying, Instrument Flight Rules Flying, Visual Flight Rules Flying). They are vital for tracking pilot qualifications, such as Private Pilots Licenses, Commercial Pilots Licenses and Air Transportation Pilots Licenses. Logbooks also record any type-ratings a pilot might have, either for a specific aircraft model (such as a Boeing 737 or Robinson 44), or an certain aircraft type (such as tail-draggers, gyrocopters or piston helicopters). The first pilot logbooks were those of Orville & Wilbur Wright, who called theirs their “Field Reports”. These can be found in the Smithsonian Institute. Logbooks can be bought online via the AvPay Flight Equipment Company Directory.
The marketing services listed on AvPay include a variety of promotional services that are provided by AvPay customers. Services include initial marketing consultancy meetings to help identify your marketing goals and target audience, social media campaign management which will involve the identification of your marketing goals, which social media platforms you’d like to engage users on , how often you’d like to post content and what types of content you’d like to produce, the creation of blogs and articles based for the purposes of highlighting your expertise and attracting new website visitors, public relations packages to work on your corporate image and market perception, the creation of marketing strategy plans and business development packages. If your company offers a marketing service, you can market these on AvPay, by signing-up here.
A multi-engine rating qualifies a pilot to act as pilot-in-command of an aircraft that has more than one engine. A lot of the time, a multi-engine rating course is the first time a pilot flies a complex aircraft, which is deemed to be an aircraft that has retractable undercarriage and variable pitch propellers. In order to qualify for the rating, you need to already have a pilots license with at least 70 hours acting as pilot-in-command. In order to pass the course, you will need to have completed a minimum of 2.5 hours dual flight instruction, at least 3.5 hours of dual flight instruction in asymmetric engine failure procedures and you’ll need to have completed a minimum of 7 hours of theoretical knowledge ground school. At the end of the course, you’ll need to pass a check-flight with an approved examiner. You can find Flight Training Organisations that offer Multi-Engine Training on the AvPay Flying School Directory.
A Night Rating qualifies a pilot to fly an aircraft a night under VFR (Visual Flight Rules). It’s a 5 hour course which you can take as part of the 45 hour long PPL course. In order to pass the course you have to fly at least 3 hours dual, 1 hour solo and have completed 5 take-offs and landings at night. Night is defines as being 30 minutes before sunrise or 30 minutes after sunset. Before starting your course, don’t forget to pack a torch, since you’ll need it for the pre-flight external checks! You can browse the Flight Training Organisations that offer a Night Rating Course, on the AvPay Flying School Directory.
A PPL (or Private Pilots License) qualifies a pilot to fly an aircraft privately with non-commercial passengers. In order to qualify for a PPL, you need to have flown for 45 hours, 10 of which need to have been solo. Throughout your PPL training you’ll need to complete a series of ground exams, which cover meteorology, navigation, communications, flight performance & planning, human performance & limitations, air law, operational procedures, aircraft general knowledge and principles of flight. The exams are multiple choice and the pass rate is 75%. In addition to these ground exams, you’ll need to pass a Radiotelephony exam and have completed a qualifying cross-country flight. Once complete you can then sit your General Skills Test (GST). Browse Flight Training Organisations (FTO) that offer PPL training, on the AvPay Flying School Directory.
PPR Requests (Prior Permission Required)
A PPR Request (Prior Permission Required) is the process of contacting an ATSU (Air Traffic Services Unit) FISO (Flight Information Service Officer) or airfield manager, asking them for permission to fly to their airport. While PPR is not a requirement to fly to every airport, it does have flight safety advantages in that if gives the airport the opportunity to brief each incoming pilot of any local activities of note, before they climb into the cockpit. PPR can also be an important means for double-checking an airport is stocked-up on the appropriate aviation fuel for your aircraft, before you land. An airport will typically want to know in advance the aircraft type, registration, call sign, date and time of arrival, number of passengers on board and the contact details of the pilot in command of the arriving aircraft. PPR requests can be made on the on the AvPay Airport Directory.
Pre-purchase inspections (PPI) are a vital part of an aircraft sale and it’s important you invest the time and money with a thorough inspection as this could save you a lot of money further down the line. When selecting the facility for your PPI, it’s important you pick a neutral facility (i.e. a facility with no previous relationship with either the buyer or seller) as this will help you get a non-biased report. Since most aviation maintenance organisations (AMO) focus on a select number of aircraft, it’s important you verify the facility has previous experience on your particular aircraft type. Once you have selected your AMO for your PPI, you should make sure to add your conditions to the Aircraft Purchase Agreement (APA), to resolve any issues found during the PPI. A PPI will usually bring-up 2 main issues: airworthiness-related items (which the seller is obliged to fix before the sale) and non-airworthiness-related items, which can be negotiated between the aircraft buyer and seller. Once buyer and seller have agreed on any remedial action required on the aircraft, the AMO can begin fixing the issues in order to get the aircraft ready for sale.
Ratiotelephony (RT) Training is designed to prepare a pilot to communicate clearly and effectively via the radio of the aircraft. Pilots can expect to communicate with various types of Air Traffic Control Services Unit (ATSU) and need to be aware of the different types of air traffic and air traffic services available. Tower Services control the take-off, landing and runway operations of an aircraft at the aerodrome. Where an airport doesn’t have a Ground Service, Tower Services may control other airfield movements. Radar Services control and monitor the movement of aircraft within their airspace. Services include a Basic Service, Traffic Service, Deconfliction Service and Procedural Service. A Basic Service gives pilots the maximum autonomy and subject to workload, provides pilots with any activity in their operating area that could pose a flight safety risk. A Traffic Service uses radar to provide pilots with more detailed traffic information, to help them spot and avoid other aircraft. A Deconfliction Service is only available to IFR aircraft (Instrument Flight Rules) and uses radar to notify pilots of potential hazards, as well as advice on how to deconflict. A Procedural Service is also only available to IFR aircraft and provides pilots with deconfliction advice. With all of these services, the responsibility for collision avoidance rests with the pilot-in-command. Air Traffic Services (ATS) are broken-down into 4 main categories: an Air Traffic Control Service manages aircraft in controlled airspace, an Air Traffic Advisory Service helps prevent collisions by providing pilots with deconfliction advice, a Flight Information Service gives advice and information pertinent to the safe conducting of flight and an Air-Ground Service provides basic information to pilots operating within their area. Browse Flight Training Organisations that provide a Ratiotelephony (RT) Training, on the AvPay Flying Club & School Directory.
The promotional services on AvPay include a variety of marketing services provided by AvPay customers, as well as those offered by AvPay to help AvPay customers increase their visibility in front of the market. AvPay promotional services include online banners and boosted Facebook Posts. AvPay’s customers’ services include initial marketing consultancy meetings to help identify your marketing goals and target audience, social media campaign management which will involve the identification of your marketing goals, which social media platforms you’d like to engage users on , how often you’d like to post content and what types of content you’d like to produce, the creation of blogs and articles based for the purposes of highlighting your expertise and attracting new website visitors, public relations packages to work on your corporate image and market perception, the creation of marketing strategy plans and business development packages. If your company offers a marketing service, you can market these on AvPay, by signing-up here.
The promotional services on AvPay currently include online banners, translation services and both local and national boosted Facebook posts. Translational services are quoted based on the type and length of the text you need translating. To get a quote on any translational work, please complete the form and a member of the team will get back to you. With the online banners, you can pick which category you’d like your banner to show-up for. Current categories include air displays, air shows and trade shows, aircraft charter brokers, aircraft cover manufacturers, aircraft ferrying companies, aircraft valeting companies, airfield cafes, airports, aviation consultancy services, aviation maintenance companies, aviation marketing companies, aviation museums, aviation photographers, conference room hire, drone pilots, drone training, flight & flying experiences, flight equipment, flight simulator companies, flight support, flying clubs & schools, freelance flying instructors, freelance pilots, gliding clubs, hangarage, sightseeing scenic pleasure flights and trial flying lessons. The local and national Facebook posts allow you to promote the services you have listed on your profile. Once you have submitted your content, the AvPay team will create a campaign for you and get you in front of your target audience. Visit the AvPay promo page here.
Safety pilots can really help improve flight safety, particularly when you’re operating an aircraft type that’s new to you, more complex to operate or simply because you don’t get the opportunity to stay in recent-flying-practise. While you may be current-on-type, are you recent-on-type? The role of a safety pilot is to observe the operation of the aircraft and to assist the pilot-in-command in operating the aircraft safely. The safety pilot must be a qualified pilot, with experience on-type and in certain cases they should be type-rated on the aircraft you’ll be flying. Some people prefer to always fly with a safety pilot, while others periodically fly with a safety pilot who’s also an instructor, to help them keep proficient in areas such as stalling and stall recovery, aerobatics, navigation, take-offs, landings, touch-and-go landings and Power Loss After Take Off (PLATO). Safety pilots can be contacted on the AvPay Flying Instructor Directory.
Well nobody wants to be sick during a flight, but we can tell you from personal experience that there’s nothing more unpleasant than flying with a poorly passenger, when you’ve forgotten to take your sick bags up with you. It turns-out that flying gloves and headset bags just don’t do a very good job, in this area! Browse a range of aviation sickness bags on the AvPay Aviation Directory & Marketplace. Once you’ve found the sick bags you’re looking for, add them to your basket and get them delivered. We promise you – you’ll be glad you have them whenever a passenger says they feel a little queasy! Air sickness bags can be bought online via the AvPay Flight Equipment Company Directory.
There is a huge amount of material available on the market and it’s important you find the study material that works for you, be it in video or book format. Before setting-out on your flight training journey, you should carry-out as much research as possible, to make sure you’re happy with the airfield, organisation and types of aircraft you will be flying, during your training. You should also look into future employment options, to make sure you’re entering the right aviation sector, where you’ll be able to easily find a job once your flying training is complete. Flight training is not cheap, so you may want to look into financial sponsorship schemes. Modular training course could also help you save money, since they allow flight training fees to be spread-out over a longer period of time. Before starting your flying training, you should also complete an aviation medical assessment, to check you will be eligible to complete the flying training. Training Materials can be bought online via the AvPay Flight Equipment Company Directory.
Trial flying lessons are designed to give you a snippet of what you can expect, should you decide to learn to fly. They can be particularly valuable to people who aren’t sure which type of aircraft they’d like to learn on, or which airfield they’d like to learn at. For example a prospective trainee may wish to complete a trial lesson at a grass-strip airfield (such as City Airport Manchester) and then an airfield with a concrete runway (such as Blackpool Airport), so they can find-out which set-up they prefer. They might also wish to fly at airports that offer different levels of air traffic, since some trainee pilots feel more comfortable learning at airfields that have a radio or information service, as opposed to a tower service. We recommend trying-out a few different aircraft types before you commit to a flight training course, as airplanes can be like cars – some you just don’t enjoy flying as much! Browse the different flying schools and flying clubs that offer trial lessons, on the AvPay Flying School & Club Directory.
A type rating is a qualification that a pilot needs, in order to fly more complex aircraft types that typically aren’t covered within the syllabus of their initial pilot’s license. If the aircraft is certified for multi-crew operations, both the co-pilot and captain will need to hold current type-ratings in order to legally fly the aircraft. Some type ratings include multiple aircraft models, such as the Cessna 525 type-rating, which permits rated pilots to fly the Cessna Citation CJ, Cessna Citation CJ1, Cessna Citation CJ1+, Cessna Citation CJ2, Cessna Citation CJ2+, Cessna Citation CJ3, Cessna Citation CJ4 and Cessna Citation M2 models. In order to operate a multi-crew aircraft, you will have to pass written exams which contain at least 100 multiple-choice questions as well as pass a skills test, which must be taken within 6 months of you having started your type-rating course. You will also have to have to had some flight instruction on the aircraft you’re taking the type-rating on. Type-ratings are valid for 1 year, except for single-pilot, single-engine ratings which are valid for 2 years. If your rating expires, you will need to complete refresher training and complete a proficiency check with an examiner. Browse the AvPay Flying School Directory to find an organisation that offers type-rating training in your area.
Upset Recovery Training effectively teaches a pilot how to return the aircraft to stable flight, as soon as they recognise that the aircraft has entered into an upset condition. An upset condition can involve the aircraft riding on the stall buffet, a pilot-induced aerobatic manoeuvre (such as a flick roll), a stall or a spin. The training also teaches a pilot how to recognise the warning signs they can expect to experience when approaching the limits of stable flight, so that they can take preventative action. Pilots can expect items such as dives, Dutch rolls, falling leafs, slow flight just above the stalling speed, spins (including inverted spins, accelerated spins and flat spins), stall recovery and steep turns to be covered during the course. Courses typically consist of a number of hours ground school, followed by practical lessons in the air. Courses typically only last a few days, so we recommend reading-up on your study material well in advance of your course, to help you get the most out of it. Search the AvPay Flying School Directory to find an organisation that offers upset recovery training in your area.
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Posted in AvPay News, General Aviation News
