The 'PFA Coach' must now be at least a CRI. There is no such thing as a 'PFA Coach who isn't an instructor' anymore since the CAA put a stop to the practice.
CRIs may conduct the required training flight for those revalidating a SEP Class Rating by experience; they may also conduct any 'differences training' required by JAR-FCL. To receive remuneration, the CRI must hold a professional pilots' licence (except for microlight or SLMG instructors).
CAP 733 gives the limitations on use of Permit to Fly aircraft and clarifies their use for flying instruction.
Payment of 'expenses' to someone who doesn't hold a professional pilot's licence is a bit of a legal minefield. The PFA state that a pilot flying the revalidation the flight in his own aeroplane with one of their CRIs "....is only charged the absolute minimum of expenses."
People use the terms 'PFA aircraft' and 'PFA coach' and even 'PFA strip' as though the PFA is somehow an organisation with completely independent rules. Whereas, in fact, the 'rules' are in accordance with the ANO and regulated by the CAA as are all other aviation matters in the UK. The Popular Flying Association exists to facilitate flying for its members and has a particular degree of engineering expertise to assist members who fly aircraft for which national certificates of airworthiness are unavailable; they do this under approval from the CAA.
Last edited by BEagle; 27th Nov 2005 at 10:00.