AV8R FLIGHT TRAINING
About Me
A B O U T M E
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 teaching degree. This led 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 larger turbo-props, then jet aircraft and I became a Training Captain and a Command Development Mentor. I have 15000+ hours, including 3500+ on light aircraft and 1500+ on gliders. I have flown around 100 types of aircraft & gliders including many tailwheel SEP types.
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, also Basic Aerobatics Instructor & Flight Instructor Coach. I'm a member of the Vintage Aircraft Club and have previously owned shares in vintage aircraft such as a 1946 Aeronca Chief, a Rollason Condor and a 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, “biennial” revalidation flights and currency/recency instruction and 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.
