The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has produced a short course of training that is available to anyone who flies regularly as a passenger in a light aeroplane. AOPA says the idea is strongly oriented towards safety, to enable the person concerned to control the aircraft and land safely if the pilot should become incapacitated.

Said a spokesman: “The new course covers essentials of flying training, including 8 hours of tuition with a qualified instructor and 10 hours of ground briefings on basic air law, principles of flight and human performance and limitations.”

On satisfactory completion of the course, the candidate will be issued with a Flying Companion’s Certificate. Flying Companion Courses will be available at flying schools and clubs that are corporate members of AOPA (UK), for which appropriate details are available.