Speak to the Independent Pilots Association

Whether you need employment advice, legal support, membership information or simply want to discuss your situation, our experienced team is here to help.

As an independent professional association dedicated exclusively to UK aviation pilots, we're here to provide trusted advice, confidential support and practical guidance whenever you need it.

Contact the Independent Pilots Association

How can we help?

We're here for pilots, every step of the way.

No matter where you are in your aviation career, the IPA provides specialist advice, expert representation and independent support to help you move forward with confidence.

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What happens next?

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Complete the contact form or give us a call and tell us how we can help.

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our enquiry is reviewed and passed to the right member of our team.

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We'll normally respond within one working day with the information or support you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to some of the most common questions from prospective and existing members.

What levels of membership does the IPA offer?

All UK-based pilots on UK contracts should join as a Full 1 member. Where we are the recognised union, you will join as a Full 2 member. Anyone UK based who joins as an Associate member will not benefit from the representation and legal services offered to Full members.

Can I upgrade my membership?

A Full 1 member will only need to upgrade should the IPA become the recognised union with your employer. Associate members who upgrade to Full membership will be subject to the two-week waiting period before being able to access legal services. Pre-existing employment issues will not be covered, irrespective of your category of membership.

Will the IPA support me with a pre-existing employment issue?

No, access to legal services and representation is only available after a two-week waiting period. If we commence work and establish that the issue is pre-existing, we reserve the right to cease advice and representation.

What legal help can I get?

As a Full member, you benefit from up to £40,000 legal cover for employment disputes. We represent members where they have a statutory right of representation, for example in disciplinary and grievance matters, and will also advance cases to employment tribunals where appropriate.

Who does the IPA represent?

We represent pilots across the UK aviation industry – both fixed wing and rotary – who fly commercial operations or work in the business jet sector. We have a high number of members who are rotary pilots operating in the O&G sector, SAR and for various air ambulance charities.

Who will represent me?

All advice and representation is conducted by trained and qualified trade union officials from our head office. Unlike other unions, we do not rely on colleagues at a local level. Representation is our core offering to members, and we pride ourselves on the consistently high level of service members benefit from.

What happens if the IPA is not the recognised union at my work?

You have a statutory right to be represented by a trade union official of your choosing. This means that a company cannot exclude the IPA from any meeting where a member has a legal right of representation. We have worked hard to dispel the myth that an employer can dictate who can attend meetings.

Can my employer insist that meetings are face to face?

Owing to the global nature of aviation, we have always participated in virtual meetings to some extent. There are certainly situations where a face-to-face meeting is beneficial; however, there is no legal requirement and thus no right for an employer to insist on this. Virtual meetings do not hinder our ability to effectively represent our members and means we are able to offer support and representation to more of our members without delay as we do not have to factor in travel time to our arrangements.

How can I be certain my representative will understand my case?

Advice and support will be provided by our dedicated team of advisers, which includes legally qualified individuals and a practising solicitor. Where representation is conducted by another official, they will be fully briefed and arrange a meeting with you to discuss your case prior to representing you. This way of working enables us to ensure that you receive advice from experienced and knowledgeable officials.

What happens if my employer changes?

As long as you remain employed on a UK contract, you do not need to change your membership. We do ask members to keep us updated with any changes to employer and/or personal details. Failing to do so may result in you not receiving employer-specific communications. We would also encourage members to contact us should they be looking to resign from one role to take up another and offer a contract review service for those moving employment.

Can I join the IPA if I am self-employed?

Yes, we are able to represent pilots who work on a contractor basis. These pilots should join as a Full 1 member.

Why is the IPA structure different to other unions?

Our structure enables us to focus on the things that matter to our members and affect them on a day-to-day basis. Not only do we deal with employers, we also engage with third parties such as the CAA and AAIB. We believe in openness and transparency with our members, and our structure enables us to give unbiased, pragmatic and legally sound advice to members with a commitment to supporting them throughout whatever process they find themselves going through. This extends to lodging claims in an employment tribunal or court where necessary.

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Independent Pilots Association