Mentoring

It’s basically someone more experienced giving practical help and advice.

For a PPL student it could be flying with a PPL to see how things are done, perhaps going in to a larger field with full ATC, for example. A student could do the nav planning, check the NOTAMs, do W&B calcs for a trip. Then do the nav on the trip itself, without having the added stress of having to fly the aircraft. It could be to experience a cross-Channel flight with flight plans customs declarations etc. The time can’t be logged, but it is useful.

For a newly qualified PPL, it could involve having someone along to give advice and keep an eye on things or help with the workload. It helps to build confidence, but remember who is in command and responsible for the flight.

It is not teaching. That is for the formal flying instructor.

What’s mentoring?

I learned to fly at Stapleford. It has changed a lot since then and is now very much geared up to commercial training. The real advantage is that the same person owns the club and airfield, so no extra landing fees to pay, which can make a big difference. Large fleet.

I have flown a bit from Elstree as well. I didn’t really like it. Everything is really crammed in. But if you fly from Elstree you can fly from anywhere. I know the guys at Firecrest, as they air race. Very friendly.

Can’t help with the mentoring, I’m afraid, as I fly Bulldogs and Pups from North Weald now.

Check out The Pilot Centre at Denham. They are pretty good. If you’re willing to venture abit further north to Cranfield then Bonus Aviation are good too. If I remember correctly London Met recommend Bonus Aviation.