Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

The Civil Aviation Authority’s Aerodromes and Airports course is a free, online skills programme tailored for Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants. The activity course offers a structured exploration of aviation infrastructure across the UK. Learners begin by investigating UK aerodromes, identifying their types and distribution, and understanding their roles in both commercial and general aviation.

The course introduces licensed aerodromes, explaining the two main types of licenses issued by the CAA and their operational requirements. Participants also explore ICAO codes, the international four-letter identifiers used to distinguish airports globally, and how these codes support safe and efficient air navigation.

A key module focuses on aerodrome and airport reference terms, helping learners differentiate between the two and understand terminology used in aviation planning and safety.

This three month course counts towards bronze, silver and gold skills awards and can be combined with other Civil Aviation Authority skills activities to meet participant timescales.

Preview the activity course here: CAA DofE Aerodromes and Airports 3 month

The Air Traffic Control course is a free, online skills programme spanning 3 months. The course introduces learners to the vital role of Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs), exploring their responsibilities in maintaining safe skies and guiding aircraft efficiently.

Participants study ATCO training, including mini games and research on how to become an ATCO. Alongside, you will learn about the ATCO medical requirements necessary for certification. The course covers the structure and function of Air Traffic Control Towers, with insights into UK airports and innovative remote tower technologies.

Learners explore radio frequencies used in aviation, understanding how ground, tower, and approach channels operate. They also investigate aircraft registrations, decoding country-specific prefixes and learning how aircraft are identified globally. A key module focuses on radiotelephony, where students practice using the ICAO phonetic alphabet to communicate aircraft details and frequencies clearly.

Finally, the course introduces flight tracking, using tools like Flightradar24 to monitor real-time aircraft movements and gather data on aircraft types, routes, and altitudes.

This three month course counts towards bronze, silver and gold skills awards and can be combined with other Civil Aviation Authority skills activities to meet participant timescales.

Preview the activity course here: CAA DofE Air Traffic Control 3 month

The Civil Aviation Authority’s Introduction to Aviation course is a free, online programme where learners explore the foundations of UK aviation, beginning with the role and responsibilities of the Civil Aviation Authority, which regulates safety, licensing, and environmental standards.

The course introduces essential communication tools like the NATO Phonetic Alphabet and Morse Code, both vital for clear and secure aviation messaging. Participants study licensed aerodromes, learning how airports are certified and operated under UK regulations.

A dedicated module on gliding covers licensing pathways, typical costs, and the location and function of gliding sites across the UK. Sustainability in aviation is a key theme, with lessons on CO₂ and non-CO₂ emissions, helping learners understand aviation’s environmental impact. The course also explores the future of hydrogen in aviation, highlighting its potential to revolutionise air travel with cleaner energy.

This three month course counts towards bronze, silver and gold skills awards and can be combined with other Civil Aviation Authority skills activities to meet participant timescales.

Preview the activity course here: CAA DofE Aviation Introduction 3 month

The Dangerous Goods in Aviation course is a free, online programme that introduces learners to the safe handling and regulation of hazardous materials in aviation. The course includes an overview of dangerous goods, including items like dry ice.

Participants explore restricted items on aircraft, learning how these are classified and managed. A module on batteries explains their risks and packaging requirements, while another covers restricted items in the post, highlighting how aviation safety extends to mail and cargo.

Learners examine the different modes of transporting dangerous goods, including passenger aircraft, cargo planes, and ground support, along with the documentation required for compliance and tracking.

This three month course counts towards bronze, silver and gold skills awards and can be combined with other Civil Aviation Authority skills activities to meet participant timescales.

Preview the activity course here: CAA DofE Dangerous Goods 3 month

The Civil Aviation Authority’s Gliding in Aviation course is a free, online programme designed for Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants. Spanning 3 months, it offers a comprehensive introduction to the world of gliding, combining technical knowledge with environmental awareness. Modules include exploring gliding reference terms, gaining a solid foundation in aviation vocabulary.

The course covers types of gliders, from basic training models to high-performance sailplanes, and explains licensing and cost, helping participants understand the pathways to becoming a qualified glider pilot. Participants will also learn about gliding sites across the UK and the various launch methods used in gliding.

A key module explains how gliders stay airborne, investigating what forces are involved and what cockpit aids and control surfaces are involved in the overall process of operating a glider.

This three month course counts towards bronze, silver and gold skills awards and can be combined with other Civil Aviation Authority skills activities to meet participant timescales.

Preview the activity course here: CAA DofE Gliding 3 month

The free online Radio Signals course, designed for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, offers a dynamic introduction to aviation communication. Over three months, participants explore the discovery of radio, tracing its evolution from early experiments to its vital role in modern flight operations. The course teaches the NATO Phonetic Alphabet, essential for clear and accurate voice communication in aviation, where “Bravo” and “Delta” replace potentially confusing letters.

Learners gain knowledge on Morse Code, a historic yet still relevant backup system in aviation emergencies. The course explains radio frequencies, detailing how different bands are allocated for air traffic control, navigation, and aircraft communication. Through radio surveys, participants investigate signal coverage and interference, gaining insight into real-world aviation scenarios.

Participants also study antennas, learning how their design and placement affect aircraft communication systems. The module on radio telephony simulates cockpit-to-tower exchanges, reinforcing aviation protocol and clarity under pressure.

This three month course counts towards bronze, silver and gold skills awards and can be combined with other Civil Aviation Authority skills activities to meet participant timescales.

Preview the activity course here: CAA DofE Radio Signals 3 month

The Civil Aviation Authority’s Quality in Aviation course is a free, online programme designed for Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants at Bronze, Silver, or Gold levels. Spanning 3 months, this course introduces learners to the principles and practices of quality management in the aviation industry. It begins by defining quality in aviation, helping students understand how consistent standards ensure safety, efficiency, and trust in air travel.

Participants explore how quality has helped build the aviation industry, from early innovations to modern regulatory frameworks. The course covers standards and regulations, explaining the difference between optional best practices and legally mandated requirements, and how these apply to airlines, maintenance organisations, and manufacturers.

Learners are introduced to quality assurance methods, such as inspections, audits, and supplier evaluations, and are guided through the process of building a quality system, including documentation, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement. This course also encourages reflection on public perceptions of quality, cultural values, and the skills needed for careers in aviation quality management. 

This three month course counts towards bronze, silver and gold skills awards and can be combined with other Civil Aviation Authority skills activities to meet participant timescales.

Preview the activity course here: CAA DofE Quality in Aviation 3 month

The Zero Emissions in Aviation course is a free, online programme that introduces learners to the future of sustainable aviation. The course begins with an exploration of decarbonisation, examining why aviation is challenging to decarbonise and what strategies are being developed to reduce its environmental impact.

Participants study net zero aviation, understanding the UK’s goals and the technologies needed to achieve them. Modules on current aviation emissions explain the pollutants produced by conventional aircraft engines, including CO₂ and non-CO₂ emissions.

A main focus is on hydrogen in aviation. Learners explore the properties of hydrogen, its colours and the processes used to produce each type. A hands-on experiment guides students through making hydrogen using household appliances, demonstrating electrolysis in action.

The course culminates in a creative challenge: designing a hydrogen-powered airport, including terminals, vertiports, fuel storage, and sustainable energy systems. This course is ideal for young people passionate about aviation, climate science, or engineering.

This three month course counts towards bronze, silver and gold skills awards and can be combined with other Civil Aviation Authority skills activities to meet participant timescales.

Preview the activity course here: CAA DofE Zero Emissions 3 month

The Civil Aviation Authority’s Aerodromes and Airports course is a free, online programme designed for Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants at Bronze, Silver, or Gold levels. Totalling 6 months, this course offers an in-depth exploration of aviation infrastructure and safety. Learners begin by studying aerodrome and airport reference terms, understanding the distinctions between these facilities and their roles in UK aviation.

The course covers UK aerodromes, including their types, distribution, and operational functions. Participants investigate licensed aerodromes, learning about the two main license types issued by the CAA and the criteria required for certification. A key module focuses on safeguarding, where students research how aerodromes protect their airspace from obstacles and developing threats.

Further study includes wildlife hazard management, examining how airports mitigate risks from birds and animals through monitoring and habitat control. The final section introduces Emergency Response Plans (ERP), guiding learners through the planning and procedures used during incidents, with case studies from major and general aviation airports.

This six month course counts towards bronze, silver and gold skills awards and can be combined with other Civil Aviation Authority skills activities to meet participant timescales.

Preview the activity course here: CAA DofE Aerodrome and Airports 6 month

The Cyber in Aviation course is a free, online programme hosted on Google Colab has been designed to introduce learners to the critical role of cybersecurity in modern aviation. It begins with an overview of online threats, including phishing, malware, and data breaches, and how they impact aviation systems.

Participants explore the CIA triad as the foundation of cybersecurity. The course covers cloud systems, explaining the difference between internet and intranet. Learners are introduced to cryptography, including the basics of Python and an understanding of how encryption works.

Students experiment with classic ciphers such as the Caesar Cipher and Atbash Cipher, learning how these methods protect sensitive information. The course also encourages learners to think critically about cybersecurity in airport operations, aircraft systems, and passenger data protection.

This six month course counts towards bronze, silver and gold skills awards and can be combined with other Civil Aviation Authority skills activities to meet participant timescales.

Preview the activity course here: CAA DofE Cyber in Aviation 6 month

The Hydrogen in Aviation course is a free, online programme designed for Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants. Over 6 months, this course explores the future of sustainable aviation through hydrogen technologies. Learners begin by studying decarbonisation and the UK’s strategy for achieving net zero aviation, including current aviation emissions and their environmental impact

The course dives into the science of hydrogen, covering its properties, colours, and production processes. A hands-on activity guides students through making hydrogen via electrolysis using simple household materials. Learners also explore hydrogen fuel cells, their role in powering aircraft, and the challenges of managing hydrogen temperature and storage.

A creative module invites participants to design a hydrogen-powered airport, considering infrastructure, safety, and sustainability. Students also learn how to route airlines at a local airport using hydrogen-based operations, integrating environmental and logistical planning.

This six month course counts towards bronze, silver and gold skills awards and can be combined with other Civil Aviation Authority skills activities to meet participant timescales.

Preview the activity course here: CAA DofE Hydrogen in Aviation 6 month