The Command Development phase is a structured hour-building module designed to enhance a pilot’s confidence, decision-making, and overall airmanship. This phase builds upon the skills gained during the PPL Consolidation and Instrument Rating (Restricted) (IR(R)), with a strong focus on instrument flying experience and longer cross-country flights to new and more challenging airfields.
While primarily focused on building flight time towards commercial training, Command Development is also about developing a professional mindset—students will be expected to plan and execute flights more independently, make sound operational decisions, and refine their ability to fly in varied weather conditions.
Objectives
Strengthen Pilot-in-Command (PIC) experience through independent flying
Gain greater exposure to instrument flight conditions (IFR/IMC)
Improve navigation skills by flying to new and more complex airfields
Enhance decision-making and flight planning abilities
Develop a professional approach to flying in preparation for commercial training
Entry Requirements
Hold a UK CAA Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
Hold an Instrument Rating (Restricted) (IR(R)) or equivalent experience
Logged a minimum of 50 post-PPL hours, including PPL Consolidation
Hold a Class 2 Medical Certificate (Class 1 recommended for those continuing commercial training)
Training Breakdown
Flight Training (Variable Hours, Typically 50-70 Hours Total)
Long-Distance Cross-Country Flying
Flights to busier, controlled airfields to gain exposure to professional ATC environments
Experience flying into larger airports with instrument approaches
Multi-leg flights with complex planning considerations
Instrument Flying Practice
Further development of IFR flying skills outside formal training
Practising en-route IFR procedures
Flying instrument approaches in real-world conditions
Planning flights with varying weather forecasts to improve adaptability
Operational Planning & Airmanship
Improved use of flight planning tools (e.g., SkyDemon, ForeFlight)
Advanced fuel planning and weight & balance calculations
Risk management and weather-based go/no-go decision-making
Understanding airspace and route selection for real-world operational efficiency
Pilot-in-Command Decision Making
Handling unexpected situations (weather, airspace restrictions, ATC diversions)
Managing passenger communication and workload management
Practising radio procedures in high-traffic areas
Expected Timeline
Full-time students: Approximately 2-3 months (depending on weather and scheduling)
Part-time students: Flexible, based on availability and frequency of flying
Progression to the Next Stage
Command Development provides essential PIC experience and instrument flying exposure that prepares students for their Multi-Engine Piston (MEP) Rating, Competency-Based Instrument Rating (CB-IR), and Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
This phase ensures students build hours in a structured and meaningful way, maximising their learning and confidence before progressing into the final stages of commercial pilot training.