Rate One Aviation is an ATO (Approved Training Organisation) authorised by the UK CAA to conduct instrument flight training. We were the first ATO to gain approval for the CBIR, and this comprises most of our activity. Unlike most ATOs, we focus on private pilots looking to gain the UK Part-FCL Instrument Rating. We do not train for EASA ratings. We operate seven days a week and are flexible to fit with our customer’s availability.
Founded in 2012, the company is based at Gloucester, UK (EGBJ), one of the best suited airfields for instrument training. Our facilities are based in Cotswold Aero Club and include a recently refitted classroom, a suitably equipped SEP IFR training aircraft and excellent modern facilities. Our regular staff instructors have extensive IFR training experience.
We are approved to conduct both IMC Rating and Instrument Rating training on single (SEP) and multi-engine (MEP) propeller aircraft and on Single Engine Turbine (SET) aircraft. We also provide training for MEP Class Ratings and Cessna SET Class Ratings. In addition we have approval for SE to MEIR upgrade, and for conversion of a third country eg FAA ICAO-compliant IR to a UK Part-FCL IR.
Jerry Marsden, Head of Training
Jerry retired as an NHS Consultant in 2016, having developed a parallel career as a flight instructor in both private and commercial aviation. He learned to fly in 1970 on an RAF Flying Scholarship, acquired CPL, MEIR, SET and FI ratings in the 90’s, and now focuses on instrument flight training.
Jim Thorpe, Instructor
Jim has been an enthusiastic private IFR pilot for many years. He has owned some 12 GA aircraft types over the last 30 years, has managed light aircraft maintenance and charter companies, and has flown extensively around Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Australia. As chairman of PPL/IR, he was heavily involved with EASA in the development of the CBIR and EIR requirements and procedures. Jim holds UK and FAA CPL, MEP IR, and is a recently-retired examiner for both initial IR skill tests and for revalidations. He is very keen to encourage more private pilots to become fully instrument rated and works tirelessly towards promoting that goal. His Instrument Flying for the Private Pilot is essential reading both for the aspiring IR holder and experienced pilots.
Roy Hitchon, Chief Flying Instructor
Roy spent many years gaining 16,000 hours with British Airways as a flight engineer on VC10s and 747s. During that time, he qualified as a flight instructor and examiner. He later became Head of Training for a commercial flight training organisation primarily oriented toward CPL and Multi-Engine Instrument Ratings. Now with over 4,500 hours of mostly IFR instruction, Roy still enjoys flying for pleasure including trips around Europe, US/Canada and South Africa.
Stephen Niechcial, Instructor
Stephen operates under Rate One ATO approvals out of Biggin Hill. Candidates follow the same training structure, and the final part of their training is conducted at EGBJ, including a pre-Skills Test assessment and the Skills Test itself.
Stephen retired as an Assistant Chief Probation Officer in 2010 before becoming ordained as an Anglican Priest in 2014. He gained his PPL in 1996 and his IR in 2003. He has been a part-time IR and CRI instructor since 2009, specialising in instrument training. Outside of flight training , most of Stephen’s flying has consisted of foreign touring- as far south as Tunisia, as far north as the Arctic Circle . With the exception of Russia, he has visited almost every country in Greater Europe.
Phil Mathews, Manager
Phil has been involved in aviation for just over 50 years. He joined the management team of Cotswold Aero Club, Gloucester Airport, in the late 70’s and is now the sole owner. He became Manager of Rate One Aviation in 2018 to look after its day-to-day running, and many of the background administrative tasks. Phil is a Flight Examiner and has over 25,000 hours experience in light aircraft.