The Honourable Company of Air Pilots is concerned with every technical aspect of flying, from safety to navigational aids, from airport facilities to training methods and in particular with new developments in aircraft and their handling. It is a unique organisation, as its membership is restricted to qualified pilots, navigators and rear crew and therefore it can truly claim to bring together the views and ideas of people who control aircraft in the air. Perhaps the most important function of the Company is to help set and maintain standards of conduct among flying people.
The Honourable Company of Air Pilots is the largest of the Livery Companies with around 2500 members worldwide, including about 250 in Australia. Membership ranges from teenagers to nonagenarians and brings fellowship and networking opportunities with experienced pilots in all walks of life, from recreational instructors to airline and military pilots, and even astronauts; with experience in training, operations, management, government regulation and safety investigation and international aspects of aviation.
The Company’s constitutionally stated objectives are:
To enable and encourage those who are or have qualified previously as air pilots and air navigators to join together and co-operate by becoming Liverymen and Freemen of the Company particularly to constitute a body of experienced aviators available to give advice and support to Her Majesty’s Government in Australia and Her Armed Forces, and other organisations and individuals as the case may be on aviation matters.
To raise the level of knowledge and proficiency of those engaged in, or about to enter, aviation by promoting the highest standards of airmanship and air safety and by monitoring, maintaining, protecting, improving and advancing the interests of aviation.
