AV8R FLIGHT TRAINING
About Me
ABOUT ME
IAN ATHERTON - FI(A) SEP & TMG, CRI SE, LAA COACH, SPL, FI(S) inc TMG, FE(S) inc TMG, FIC, BGA Full Instructor, inc BGA CFE & FIC
With in excess of 15000 flying hours gained across GA, Gliding & Commercial Aviation, I aim to use my extensive depth of experience to provide cost effective & fun flight training that encourages safety through understanding for private pilots, whilst building confidence and developing competence through a variety of bespoke Differences & Advanced Training Courses.
Who am I?
I started my flying career by learning to fly gliders whilst at college in Sheffield, where I graduated with a teaching degree. This lead me into power flying, glider tow-plane flying and TMGs, which inevitably lead me to a career in commercial aviation.
I started my professional flying on the legendary STOL DHC-6 Twin Otter and the BN2 Islander. This in turn lead to the airlines flying larger turbo-props, then jet aircraft and I became a Training Captain and a Command Development Mentor.
I have 15,000+ hours, including 3000+ on light aircraft and 1,500+ on gliders. I have flown around 100 types / variants of aeroplanes and gliders, including many tailwheel SEP types.
In my 'day job' I now fly for the National Flying Laboratory Centre delivering bespoke training experiences for university students training to become aerodynamicists, space vehicle designers and human factor specialists for Degree, MSc and PhD courses.
I'm a FI(A), CRI SE and Revalidation Examiner on SEP and TMG aircraft. I'm also a Light Aircraft Association Pilot Coach and a BGA Full Rated Gliding Instructor including Basic Aerobatics, BGA CFE Coach & FIC. I hold SPL with FI(S) inc TMG, FE(S) inc TMG, with Basic Aerobatics Instructor & Flight Instructor Coach privileges.
I have previously owned shares in vintage aircraft such as a 1946 Aeronca Chief, a Rollason Condor and the very rare 1947 Mraz M1C Sokol (Falcon). I have also owned shares in several gliders including the fabulous ASW20. I currently have a share in a Fournier RF4D aerobatic motor-glider. I continue to fly gliders when I have time and I particularly enjoy mountain soaring.
I live near Banbury, so can easily reach much of Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, etc. to fly with you in your aircraft. I'm available for a variety of courses and scenario based training, plus “biennial” revalidation flights and currency / recency instruction. I am happy to coach less experienced pilots in areas which they may feel apprehensive such as flying in controlled air space, attending fly-ins, etc.
My aim is to enhance both understanding and enjoyment. I am keen to encourage grass roots flying and spread the word that you do not need to be wealthy to fly.
Check out the rest of the website to see how I can help you develop your skills in light aircraft, motor-gliders and sailplanes.
Fly Safely, Have Fun.
