Membership Built Around Pilots
Independent protection, professional support and expert representation when it matters most
Whether you're flying commercially, instructing, operating rotary aircraft or building your aviation career, IPA membership gives you access to experienced support, industry representation and practical benefits designed specifically for pilots.
Why join the IPA?
More than just a membership
Independent Representation
No airline influence or political agenda.
We work solely in the interests of pilots
Workplace
Protection
Support with disciplinary matters, grievances, employment disputes and workplace issues
Legal
Advice
Access to specialist employment law advice worth up to £40,000 where representation rights apply
Career
Support
Professional guidance throughout your aviation career, from training through to retirement
Industry
Recognition
A recognised trade union and professional association representing pilots across the UK aviation sector
Member
Benefits
Exclusive partner offers, discounts and additional services available only to IPA members
Membership Options
Choose the Membership That's Right for You
Full 1 Membership
£29
per month
For UK-based employed pilots and contractors requiring full representation and support
Includes
- Union membership
- 24/7 emergency contact
- Full representation for all labour-related workplace issues
- Up to £40,000 in-house legal advice
- 50% tax rebate via HMRC
- Access to a wide range of member benefits
- Skypointer Magazine subscription
Full 2 Membership
£39
per month
For UK-based employed pilots and contractors requiring premium representation and support
Includes
- Union membership
- 24/7 emergency contact
- IPA recognition at your workplace
- Full representation for all labour-related workplace issues
- Up to £40,000 in-house legal advice
- 50% tax rebate via HMRC
- Access to a wide range of member benefits
- Skypointer Magazine subscription
Associate
£78
per year
For pilots seeking professional association membership and member benefits
Includes
- Access to a wide range of member benefits
- Skypointer Magazine subscription
Retired
£30
per year
Stay connected to the aviation community
after retirement
Includes
- Access to a wide range of member benefits
- Skypointer Magazine subscription
Student
Free
For pilots currently undertaking
approved flight training
Includes
- Access to a wide range of member benefits
- Skypointer Magazine subscription
- Up to three years free membership (evidence of training required)
Any Pre-existing employment issue at the commencement of your membership is excluded from cover by the IPA.
Members are responsible for ensuring that we are made aware of any employment dispute/issue as soon as it arises as many claims have strict time limits.
Failing to contact us may result in the IPA not being able to represent you.
Please note that after joining, a two-week waiting period applies before you can access our legal services.
Compare memberships
Benefit
Full 1
£29/Month
Full 2
£39/Month
Associate
£78/Year
Retired
£30/Year
Student
Free
Union membership
24/7 emergency contact
IPA recognition at your workplace
Professional association membership
Full representation for all labour-related workplace issues
Up to £40,000 in-house legal advice
50% tax rebate via HMRC
Access to a wide range of member benefits
Skypointer Magazine subscription
Up to three years free membership (evidence of training required)
What's included?
We're here when you need us.
Employment & Legal Representation
Expert support for discipliniaries, tribunerals, grievances and employee disputes
Contract Checking Service
Contract reviews, career guidance and support with transitions
24/7 Emergency Contact
24/7 emergency contact for
IPA members
Protection for Your Profession
Fighting for fair treatment, safe operations and pilot standards
Exclusive Member Benefits
Additional value beyond representation
Aircrew Benefits
We have partnered with Aircrew Benefits to provide our members with access to specialist:
- Permanent Loss of Licence insurance
- Income protection solutions
- Pilot-focused legal expenses cover
Visit the member area for more details.
Lifeguard Digital Life Organiser
Store important personal and financial information securely and access exclusive member discounts.
Member voices
Trusted by pilots across the industry
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?
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?
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?
What happens if the IPA is not the recognised union at my work?
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?
What happens if my employer changes?
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.
