Re validating QFI's rating

[rich]

My QFI's rating lapsed about 3 years ago as did my group A (do to not enough time off from airline flying). However it looks as if I'm just about to get more time off, not for good behaviour, and want to start instructing and light aircraft flying again. I understand under JAA the rules have changed somewhat so can anyone tell me what I need to do too A, renew my group A and B, renew my QFI

cheers rich

[Avenger]

Rich,

I'm sorry to say this, but it looks as if you will need to do 3 flight tests!

SE piston class rating should be a complete skill test, but as you are flying anyway, you may just get away with a revision flight and a test (see AIC 127/1999)

ME piston class, revision and test flight.

FI rating.. If you have not instructed for 3 years you will need to do the FI test for sure.

One of our chaps has just had his QFI downgraded to FI(R) as he has been out of it for two years... scary stuff !

If I were in your shoes, I would contact someone who could sort the lot out in one massaged go-- try Piers Smerdon on the QT.
he can be reached via Cabair Cranfield

[Noggin]

You need to do the SEP Class Rating Skill test to revalidate the single rating. There is only one test for such purposes and consists of a departure, two stalls, two steep turns a PFL and some circuits to include EFATO.

For the MEP (Ex Gp B) you need to do the MEP Class Rating Skill test, much the same as in the single but some asymmetric and a 15 minute sector.

To revalidate the FI rating you will have to do a FI Skill Test with a FIE and attend a FI refresher seminar, a two day event.

[This message has been edited by Noggin (edited 04 December 2000).]

[BEagle]

1. Unless you are a CFS graduate, you are NOT a 'Q'FI.
2. To revalidate your FI Rating on both SE Piston Class and ME Piston Class aircraft will require quite some effort. You will also need to state that you have assimilated JAR-FCL requirements; however, your JAR-OPS work should be sufficient.
3. There are also restrictions on Single Pilot flight under IFR if you hold only a JAR-FCL licence as these do not include IMC Rating privileges.
4. Great step forward, this eurocracy!

[The Flying I]

Avenger: Not a Skills Test - that's the full McCoy - anyone lapsed SEP under 5 years only has to take a proficiency check with an examiner - much less involved. (AIC back in April)

[Noggin]

JAR-FCL 1.245 (f) (2) Expired ratings:

If a single engine Class rating has expired, the applicant shall complete the skill test in Appendices 1 and 3 to JAR-FCL 1.240.

In practice its exactly the same as the Pfoff Check but because the rating has expired, it is a Skill Test.

[A and C]

I was in much the same position exept for the SE piston and as far as i can see noggin has the answer closest to what i had to do.

[The Flying I]

Well, the CAA call it a Proficiency Check. See AIC 23/2000 White 10, 6th April 2000
<A HREF="http://www.ais.org.uk/Uk_aip/pdf/aic/4W010.pdf" TARGET="_blank">http://www.ais.org.uk/Uk_aip/pdf/aic/4W010.pdf</A>
I've no argument with what Noggin describes as content. My problem is with the phrase from Avenger, "a COMPLETE skills test" (my emphasis) for an SEP rating expired less than 5 years. If you go to a club and ask for that, you will indeed get your SEP rating back. If you go armed with AIC 23/2000 and ask for a proficiency check you will also get your SEP rating back. The big difference will be the size of the cheque you write after the flight.

[Noggin]

I think the so called "Comptete" Skills Test refered to is the Licence issue Skills Test for PPL. It is only done once, for the issue of a PPL. Any subsequent test be it proficiency check or revalidation Skill Trest it is the same format and should be the same price. Even after 5 years it is the same test.

[Capt Homesick]

All the above useful for me too, I'm in a similar position. Thanks everybody! :)

[foxmoth]

BEagle- perhaps YOU can tell us all what the 'Q' in QFI stands for, I always thought it was for qualified, in which case surely ANYONE who is a proper flying instructor is a QFI, even if it is not an official term, but then maybe you are one of those who only uses the terms our masters deem fit to allow.
(bow, scrape, tugs forelock).
http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/tongue.gif :rolleyes:

[BEagle]

Foxmouth, these are the correct terms:

QFI - A military term denoting 'Qualified Flying Instructor'. This is only applicable to Central Flying School graduates. QFIs are graded B2 (probationary), B1 (average), A2 (above average) or A1 (exceptional).

FI - Flight Instructor. The correct civil terminology for a Flight Instructor who is not restricted in any way. The old pre-JAR term was 'Flying Instructor'.

FI(R) - Flight Instructor (Restricted). The correct civil terminology for someone who has just completed the JAR-FCL course. Pre-JAR, the equivalent was AFI which stood for Assistant Flying Instructor.

[squeakyunclean]

Foxmouth, spot on
BEagle, so what?
I recently attended an instructor seminar were one of the QFI's (definately ex-mil) told us all that we should be teaching ppl students/holders to turn back after an efato!!! Even the highly trained, carefully selected pilots the RAF are lucky enough to teach, have killed themselves trying this very manoeuvre, what chance Mr 12 hours a year ppl?
Unanimously voted out by the (notQ)FI's.

[Oktas8]

Can't believe life in the UK is so complicated! (Sufficiently so that there is disagreement between flight instructors on how to get current.)


O8

[foxmoth]

Sorry BEagle,
I still think I am Qualified even if it is not an OFFICIAL term, by the dictionary def. and I think to knock those who use QFI when not mil. is over pedantic.

[BEagle]

Foxmoth - you are, of course, entitled to your opinion. I prefer precision in terminology, but if you want to use an incorrect term for your qualification, that's up to you. Imitation is, after all, the sincerest form of flattery.

[Capt Homesick]

At every school I have taught at (including the one where the CI and CFI were ex-RAF QFIs, instructors were referred to as either AFIs or QFIs. Maybe incorrect; maybe the ex-RAF guys were trying to encourage the rest of us; or maybe just a convenient shorthand? After all, an AFI (or, for that matter, an FI(R)) is still a Flying Instructor.

[BEagle]

Actually no, Capt HS, under JARocracy they're now called 'Flight Instructors'!

[Noggin]

Is it better to be Qualified than "Certified"?

[foxmoth]

Sorry BEagle,
Flight Instructor is DEFINITELY to Americanised for me and I will NOT be using it in normal use, no matter what our masters say.
N.B. Personally I don't normally use QFI myself for civvy instructors, but I get a bit fed up with pedantic people jumping down the throats of those who do. The odd time is OK, but it seems to happen EVERY time someone uses the term.