Becoming FI after 40

[S-Works]

I won't touch an FI that can't teach all of the courses we need. Virtually nobody teaches for LAPL as it's a chocolate teapot rating. Normal schools need instructors that can do the standard PPL and grow to CPL etc.

My advice is do the CPL theory and the FI and dont bother with ATPL as it actually a massive difference in attaining it.

[n.dave]

The question is how many students come in and do Lapl course? I haven't worked too long in my school (around 2 years) all of them are ppls and some cpls. Virtually, no one is doing lapl.

[MrAverage]

I've never been asked to train for a LAPL, not even once.


Mickey Kaye:


That one restriction is a significant problem to a school or club.

[BEagle]

bose-x, your prejudice against the LAPL is well-known...

It isn't a 'chocolate teapot' licence by any stretch of the imagination, it is a pilot licence allowing flight throughout EASA member states under VFR, requiring simple medical standards. It can include night, aerobatic, towing and mountain ratings and is good enough for the needs of many private fliers.

But RFs / ATOs / DTOs fear loss of income by providing a more achievable licence.... That's the real reason for the lack of progress regarding LAPL issues - training organisations' greed and abysmal marketing.

For those who really want to fly under IFR, fly in the US or gain instructor certificates and who can hold a Class 2 medical, there is a simple LAPL-to-PPL upgrade course available which doesn't require any further exams.

The LAPL-only FI can improve his/her employability by also holding a CRI certificate - which for those suitably qualified can include providing aerobatic instruction to any pilot licence holder, whether ATPL, CPL, PPL or LAPL.

[S-Works]

What's up with a PPL and an appropriate medical?

The LAPL is a waste of space full stop. You would have been better spending your time simplyfying things not making them more complicated. Now you have just created yet another pointless sub icao licence. The FAA manage perfectly well with one licence and an appropriate medical.......

[BEagle]

Who is this 'you' about whom you write?

[cavok_flyer]

If possible, do the ATPL. The depth of knowledge you can achieve is much more than the CPL. Can/should you give all of this knowledge to a PPL'er? No, but it definitely helps your confidence that you have the background. Why restrict yourself? Maybe, for what ever reason, you can do something else that needs APTL. It is a grind and the value of learning something via QBs is questionable, however, do the theory once and nobody can take it from you.

[S-Works]

Originally Posted by BEagle

Who is this 'you' about whom you write?

The Royal You as in the Royal We.....

[Whopity]

It is a grind and the value of learning something via QBs is questionable, however, do the theory once and nobody can take it from you.

Yes they can, once taken, the exams only remain valid for 3 years for the issue of a CPL and an IR. If you don't do it all within the window you have wasted time and money. Fortunately, once passed, any of the exams remain valid for doing the FI Course without a time limit.

[hub61]

As a possible prospective trainee I would sooner go with a more mature, experienced instructor rather than some cocky young dude who is building hours with no real interest in teaching me to fly (as opposed to just training me barely enough to obtain my ppl).