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The Independent Pilots Association is a Professional Association that was formed by Flight Crew, promotes the welfare and interests of Flight Crew and is managed by Flight Crew. We offer assistance to all pilots who join the Association in many ways from help in compiling CVs, to assistance in securing a job through our many diverse contacts. |
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The origins of the Association can be traced to the early 1990’s when a self-help group was organised at the Gatwick Job Centre for pilots out of work following the collapse of Air Europe in 1991.
By the spring of 1992 most of the pilots were back in jobs, many with a new airline Excalibur and a specialist in financial affairs suggested that if fifty or more of them formed a group then it would be possible to get better rates on pension provision, loss of licence insurance and similar services. And so the Independent Pilots Association was born.
The IPA took premises in Haywards Heath in the back office of a benefactor and straight away began helping others. Although not in a position to help financially, the IPA lent support, office and storage space to the Dan Air Pilots Action Group who sought compensation from British Airways when Dan Air was taken over by BA and several more pilots found themselves out of work and disenfranchised from another UK pilots representative group.
Steady growth of membership has been experienced over the years with new members coming from both ends of the career spectrum and current membership is spread throughout all British operators, from air taxi operators to major airlines, as well as some overseas.
The Association now has its own permanent office suite in Haywards Heath manned by a small number of full and part time staff. The Board of Directors, who comprise current and retired pilots from a variety of UK airlines with a wealth of experience and background in all aspects of aviation, all feel a passion for the continued concept of a self-help group that promotes the welfare and interests of the members.
The constitution of the IPA precludes it from becoming a trade union, however, with changing employment legislation many requests were received from members asking for representational activity of a union nature. In response to the requests of those members a sister organisation, the Independent Pilots Federation (IPF), was formed in 2001 and that body is a recognised Trade Union. The IPF is affiliated to the IPA and all ‘Full’ members belong to both organisations to receive the benefits each has to offer.
Full membership of both organisations is fixed at just £14:00 per month regardless of your salary
Reduced rates Available
We have a dedicated Financial Team in the Independent Pilots (Financial Services), who will look after all your financial queries’ and arrangements including pensions and loss of licence insurance.
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