About Us

The Smart PPR project was conceived in 2021 by a group of pilots and web developers in the UK who have a wealth of knowledge in the aviation and web industry.

Our aim is to provide an industry standard PPR request system that can be used at any airfield or airport in the UK and Ireland, many current airfields use various methods of obtaining PPR, some complex and some easy, we want to make requesting PPR simpler, quicker and easier.

Smart PPR allows airfields to improve and standardise their PPR requests, manage PPR requests, monitor airfield activity and how busy an airfield will be with incoming aircraft, view historical data and giving pilots the option of requesting PPR in good time, anywhere and at any time. Landing fees can be paid online at the time of booking and automated customisable emails can inform pilots of important information when joining and landing. All these features free up ATC or airfield staff and use secure, cloud technology to digitise the airfield and improve communications.

The project will continue to evolve from our first version and we are looking for as many airfields to get onboard with our system and see its worth and the benefits it can bring. If you have any questions or comments please contact us, we would love to hear from you.

Meet The Team

Simon Fewkes-Ahearne
Founder, Back End Developer & Commercial Pilot

The idea for Smart PPR was born while Simon was hour building for his commercial pilots licence, airfields across the country had varying ways of requesting PPR from basic to overly complex. The desire to streamline and standardise these were born. Simon developed the entire backend for Smart PPR and its integrations over a period of time and continues to tweak and refine the platform to further improve its functionality. A fully qualified commercial pilot, Simon has years of experience in aviation, flying and web development.

Gareth Hardy
Graphic Designer & UI Consultant

Our user interface and user experience design is in safe and knowledgable hands, Gareth has decades of experience of designing websites and web based applications, he has designed memorable design solutions for clients all over the world and loves to push design boundaries within the creative process. Gareth has designed our branding, corporate identity, design for print and UI and UX design on both our website and our web based platform.

Matt Morse
Graphic Designer & Marketing

With nearly 30 years of experience in the design industry, Matt has worked across multiple disciplines, delivering creative solutions for both digital and print. From concept to completion, his focus is on meeting our design briefs while maintaining strong brand consistency. Throughout his career Matt has worked as a freelancer and as a Senior Designer within web and publishing agencies, managing projects for clients ranging from small businesses to large national corporations. His work spans everything from logos, stationery, and marketing materials to full-scale website design.

Duncan Clarkson
GA Pilot, Software Architect & Advisor

Equally at home in the skies and the digital world, Duncan has skillfully charted his course through both domains. Having learned to fly amidst the picturesque valleys of Chile, he has thrived as a private pilot. With a rich 20-year career in the software industry, he has transitioned between roles as a developer, architect, and consultant across businesses of all sizes. His journey reflects a blend of his passion for flight and his mastery of technology, defining him as a significant figure in both IT consultancy and software engineering circles.

Tim Fernando
GA Pilot, Product Executive & Advisor

Tim is a seasoned product and engineering leader with over 18 years of experience spanning carbon tech, AI, travel, IoT, and cyber security. Having held roles from startup founder and CTO to Head of Product and VP of Product & Engineering, he has a track record of scaling platforms, building high-performing teams, and turning early-stage ideas into products used by millions worldwide. A PPL(A) holder and avid GA pilot, Tim brings both a deep understanding of what makes great software and a genuine pilot's perspective to Smart PPR, helping shape a product that works as seamlessly in the cockpit as it does in the airfield office.

Alex Sinclair
GA Pilot, Flying Instructor & Advisor

Alex is a General Aviation pilot and certified flying instructor with a strong background in IT and technology systems. Combining a passion for aviation with years of technical experience, Alex brings a methodical, safety-focused approach to flight training and aircraft operations. He is experienced in mentoring pilots at various stages of their training, helping students build confidence, precision, and sound decision-making skills in the cockpit. Alongside his aviation career, Alex has worked extensively in the IT sector, developing expertise in systems management, troubleshooting, and technology integration.

Smart PPR
750
Airfields in the UK
Smart PPR
27000
Light aircraft in the UK
Smart PPR
28000
Pilots in the UK
Smart PPR
£25
Average Landing Fee

Latest Articles

Developments

Major platform update launched with redesigned dashboard, enhanced statistics and new aircraft mapping

We are pleased to announce a major suite of product developments and updates designed to make managing airfield PPRs faster, easier and more informative for airfield …

Read More
Developments News

Smart PPR and VFR Wise Integration Makes PPR & Booking Out Faster

Smart PPR and VFR Wise are pleased to announce a new partnership and integration designed to make requesting Prior Permission Required (PPR) and booking-out services simpler …

Read More

What Our Customers Say

We invite our valued customers to share their genuine and honest experiences of the Smart PPR platform on Google Reviews. Your feedback helps others discover the benefits of Smart PPR and helps us continue to improve our service. Take a look at our latest Google Reviews and see what our customers are saying about us.

Google
Carl Robinson profile picture
Carl Robinson
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Used smart ppr a couple of times recently to request ppr and app was simple and easy to use!
Google
Charles Papworth profile picture
Charles Papworth
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very simple and easy to use software. Wish all airfields would adopt the same software and process!
Google
Fred White profile picture
Fred White
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
SmartPPR is a great idea! This sort of innovation is much needed in our industry, and the way they do it just simplifies the process for all. I hope more airfields adopt this so that it can become the standard way to do PPR.
Google
Duncan Clarkson profile picture
Duncan Clarkson
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
SmartPPR is a fantastic tool for managing PPR requests at airfields. It's quick to setup and easy to use, allowing for instant updates and out-of-hours requests without the hassle of emails or phone calls. It fits the needs of airfields perfectly, making it a must-have for anyone looking to streamline their PPR process. Highly recommended for any airfield or airstrip wanting to modernise their operations and it makes life simpler for GA pilots.
Google
Robert Beedham profile picture
Robert Beedham
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
A really professional and easy system to use. A must have for streamlining any PPR system for your airfield. Great service and support too
Google
Simon Fewkes-Ahearne profile picture
Simon Fewkes-Ahearne
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Quick and simple way to request PPR at airfields that have signed up, get instant updates and request PPR out of hours without having to email or phone beforehand. Bringing the GA world into the 21st century!

Ready to streamline your PPR?

See how Smart PPR can streamline PPR requests, arrivals, departures and landing fees, while reducing the day-to-day administration for your team. Request a free no obligation demo and see the platform in action.

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Smart PPR is part of the Fresh Aviation Group.