It does this through education, testing and training. The BHPA takes its educational role seriously and publishes a Monthly Club Bulletin aimed at affiliated clubs and schools, and Skywings a monthly magazine aimed at individual members. If subsequent operational experience ever suggests a possible cause for concern, the Association immediately undertakes an investigation, and if necessary issues a Safety Notice . These are sent out to all instructors and clubs, and are published in Skywings . Safety notices may also be downloaded from the BHPA web site .
Pilots also have to be tested, but first they have to be trained.
Initial training must be undertaken within a BHPA registered school. Through its Schools Inspection Scheme the Association ensures that tuition is provided by competent licensed instructors, working to a common syllabus and Pilot Rating Scheme. A student rating normally awarded half way through an ab-initio training course at a BHPA registered school. The minimum rating required to fly unsupervised within a UK club. The minimum rating recommended before flying cross country unsupervised.