Welcome to Aiming Higher, a website for aspiring pilots. With a passion for general aviation, we aim to help you Aim Higher, and develop as a competent and confident pilot. We offer PPL and advanced flight training and supporting ground school courses. We also provide links to selected planning tools and continuing education materials. We hope we can inspire you to ‘stretch your wings’ by trying new destinations or learning new skills.
- About me -
Mike Naylor holds a CPL(A), with TMG, SEP, FI(A), Night, IR(R) and IRI ratings. He also holds a Flight Examiner (FE) certificate for the PPL, LAPL, IMCR / IR(R) and SEP ratings He has in the past held a glider pilots licence and an MEP rating.
Mike flies a variety of single engine aircraft ranging from vintage taildraggers like the Chipmunk , the classic Cessna and Piper training aircraft and the Sportcruiser, a modern Light Sport Aircraft, with glass cockpit and auto-pilot. He flew his first solo in a motor-glider in Cairo, gained his PPL in the Netherlands and his CPL, FI and FE qualifications in the UK.
Now with more than 3500 hours, and over 2000 hours as an instructor, with flight experience in the UK and Europe, we are well placed to help you Aim Higher.
- What we offer -
Basic Training
Considering training for a LAP(A) or PPL(A)? We can help with that. We have well established training materials for all our courses, and update these regularly to reflect changing regulations, new techniques and the evolving demands of UK airspace. We are proud that our students achieve a first time pass rate of more than 85%,
Conversions
Want to ‘convert’ your microlight licence to a PPL? We have the know-how to help you do this quickly and painlessly.
Advanced Training
Looking to go beyond the PPL? We can provide differences rating and sign-off well for complex aircraft, and provide more advanced training in short-strip techniques, the Night rating, flight in continental Europe and the UK IMC or IR(R) rating.
Continuing education
Don’t need a new qualification but would like a refresher of modern techniques? We can help with that too. In keeping with our ethos that learning pilots make better pilots, we also share some favourite websites which regularly offer free training material.
Flight planning
Too many planning tools to choose from? Whether on a computer or smartphone, we all need a reliable source for NOTAMS and forecast weather. Here we share the tools which we use on a daily basis.
Destinations
In a bit of a rut? Flying is not the cheapest hobby, but nonetheless there are some fascinating and inexpensive destinations not hundreds of miles from home. Here we share our favourites.
- From the blog -
SkyDemon and IFR flight
Posted by Mike Naylor on December 13, 2024
IRR students often ask “Can I use SkyDemon to navigate on an IMC training flight or test?” The official and legally correct answer is “No”. SkyDemon is a VFR tool. Only certified, installed GNSS navigators, such as an IFD550, GTN650 or GNS430 can be us… Read more »
Flying an N-reg aircraft in the UK
Posted by Mike Naylor on October 1, 2024
I don’t own an N reg aircraft and I don’t hold an FAA licence, so to me these questions are a bit academic. But people do ask from time to time. To answer the question fully requires an understanding of both UK (ANO) and USA (FAA) regulations, suppleme… Read more »
Buying an aircraft share – eyes wide open
Posted by Mike Naylor on April 16, 2024
So you’ve got your PPL. Congratulations. Now you want to buy an aircraft share. What do you need to think about? I’ve tried to summarise key considerations in this blog but the most important advice is to avoid an impulse buy, and get advice – your in… Read more »
A VFR kneeboard reference card
Posted by Mike Naylor on February 9, 2024
As part of my teaching toolkit, I offer PPL students a VFR reference card which fits on the kneeboard. A few people have expressed interest in it, so I am posting a copy here. Other handy planning aids can be found here and downloaded from here. One si… Read more »