gapan.org.au

Roles and Objectives

In an address in 1970, the then Grand Master, HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, described the Guild as follows:

‘It is a body of people interested in every kind of flying; whether it’s light aircraft for pleasure or sport, whether it’s commercial, passenger or service; and who want to talk about flying and improve the techniques of flying and of airmanship.

Of course, other bodies exist to look after the different divisions of aviation but the Guild exists to bring all pilots and navigators together whatever division they be in.  It’s more than a club because it has a more serious purpose.
The Guild is concerned with every technical aspect of flying from safety to navigational aids from airport facilities to training methods and in particular with new developments in aircraft and their handling.  It is a unique organisation, as its membership is restricted to qualified pilots and navigators and therefore it can truly claim to bring together the views and ideas of people who control aircraft in the air.  Perhaps, the most important function of the Guild is to help set and maintain standards of conduct among flying people.

The Guild is not intended to be a lobby or pressure group and it does not function in the same way as the Airline Pilots Associations.  However, that doesn’t mean that it will never offer considered advice if it thinks it necessary, and of course it is always ready to offer an opinion if asked for.’