Becoming Instructor

[PeterDublin]

What it takes to become instructor? I just started my ppl and I would like to become instructor, what courses do I need to take and what would be the best path to become one? Thanks a lot
Peter

[Charlie Zulu]

I expect you will be going down the modular route if you just want to become an instructor.

So in order:

1) Complete your PPL.

2) Hour build to 150 hours total time to include 100 hours P1.

3) Study for and take the JAA CPL theoretical examinations *OR* JAA ATPL theoretical examinations.

4) Complete the JAA CPL Flight Course (25 hours if you don't have an IR) together with a pass in the JAA CPL Skills Test.

5) You will need 200 hours Total Time including 100 Hours P1 time to send your application for licence issue.

6) Take a Flight Instructor Course (125 hours theory and 30 hours training which can include up to 5 hours of mutual flying with another FIC student).

Steps 2 and 3 can be done in any order and can even be done at the same time.

As for the theoretical examinations. Take the JAA CPL theoretical exams ONLY if you do not aspire to gain an IR within three years or don't want to become an airline / corporate pilot. If you wish to fly for an airline then bite the bullet and take the 14 JAA ATPL theoretical examinations from the outset. If you do the JAA CPL exams and later decide to go on to get an IR or for an airline career then you'll need to take the JAA IR or JAA ATPL exams (as appropriate).

If you wish to instruct but NOT be paid for it then the only step you can leave out is step 4 (the CPL flight course, the exams sitll need to be studied for and taken but if you do this you will need 200 hours total time with 150 hours P1 before you can start the FIC course).

[CAT3C AUTOLAND]

Peter,

And.......when you get there, its great fun :)

[PeterDublin]

Thanks for all replies, when it comes to hour building where would be the best place except USA, I lived there and have no desire to see the place again, I heard about south africa or new zealand,anyone did that there?
Thanks

[Send Clowns]

If you are going to instruct then schools would appreciate you having thorough knowledge of flying, of navigation and of airspace in the country where you will be instructing. If you can afford to, then, you should be hour building there.

As Cat3 says (mmmmm, Cat3 in PPL instructing?) it's great fun when you get there!

[Mintflavour]

Hour building in the UK shall enable you to continue to network at uk schools and therefore greater prospects of being put at the top of the waiting list of potential instructors when a position becomes available. It certainly worked for me. Had a FI job lined up before I had even passed my FI test. (Assuming you want to instruct in the UK)

Mint

[BlueRobin]

What it takes to become instructor?

About 20 grand ;)

[PeterDublin]

What would be a difference between JAA CPL and JAA ATPL ?
Are there any books available so I can start reading them before I really put myself into it
Thanks

[jerezflyer]

The CPL exams cover 9 subjects and the ATPL exams cover 14 subjects (giving exemption from CPL exams and IR exams).

jerezflyer

[PeterDublin]

Thanks, so which one is appropriate to take ,which one make more sense?

[OpenCirrus619]

If you are going to do an IR in the next few years do the ATPLs. If you do the CPL exams and then want an IR you have to sit ANOTHER 10(?) exams - whereas if you do the ATPLs you don't need to sit any more.

If you are ever going to want to command a multi-crew aircraft involved in Air Transport then do the ATPLs. If you do the CPL AND IR exams then you'll still need to go back for some more.

Summary
If you are definitely NOT going to:

Do an IR in the next few years
Want to command a 7x7, A3x0

then do the CPLs - else go for the ATPL.

OC619

[PeterDublin]

OpenCirrus619
Thanks for claryfing this , I will have to think about it cause with my age being 38 I dont think I have much chances into anything larger than beechcraft, probably most easiest thing would be become instructor
Thanks again

[jerezflyer]

I have had a very similar dilema to yourself. I am almost 36, and have considered just doing CPL DL to get a CPL and FI rating with the sole intention of instructing part time at weekends.
However, I have come to the conclusion if I want to change careers in the future to an airline career (by that I mean turboprop cargo at the most - under no ilusion I will end up flying a 737 - but then again - who knows???), I want to be in a position to at leats be able to opt for such a position, i.e. keep my options open, just in case I am lucky enough and can afford to change careers. Therefore the route I think I have finally decided to take is (I'm almost PPL): ATPL theory, IR/ME, CPL, FI, with maybe a cheap MCC thrown in (this modular set of courses costs about 20,000 euros in Spain if you go to Aerofan or Panamedia - not including hour building).

Worst case scenario: Flying Instructor at weekends (at least not paying to fly) with a bit of aerial work thrown in.
Best case scenario: Change careers!! Fly an ATR or similar for a cargo/passenger airline (maybe some day a 737........................)

Hope this helps,

jerezflyer

[Mintflavour]

From my research which is nearly for 4 years old now. There was not much price difference from doing the ATPL theory to just the commercial stuff. Also their wasnt as many outfits offering just CPL theory courses (distance learning). There are however the likes of Bristol (my choice any day) and Oxford who offer excellent and well established ATPL courses (probably because ATPL theory is in higher demand).
If study time an issue then I would assume CPL theory would require less due to less subjects, but if the notes are not as good etc then it may take a little longer. Catch 22

Good luck what ever.

Instructing is great fun

Mint