FRTOL equipment

[TheOddOne]

Hi and welcome.

In order to become a FRTOL examiner it is normal to
a) be an existing SEP flight instructor
b) work at suitable premises at which to conduct the test i.e. a flying school or club which is either a Registered Facility or an ATO.

In practice, the equipment you need is 2 computers, networked in separate rooms soundproofed from each other. The CAA used to recommend the software to be installed.

Here's what happened when I applied to become a FRTOL examiner 5 years ago; I assume it's the same today.

The CAA look at your application to ensure that you have the relevant experience i.e. an unrestricted instructor. If you pass this hurdle, they will then send you software to use on 2 computers, which you need to network in separate rooms, suitably soundproofed from each other. A CAA staff member will then visit you to assess your and your premises suitability. This assessment took an entire day. There are 2 written exams, one to test your knowledge of CAP413 and the other to test your capability as an examiner. You will then conduct a complete FRTOL practical test, using the setup you've put together, with the CAA staff member acting as the candidate. You will then conduct a debrief as you would for a candidate. You will then be de-briefed on your performance as an examiner and be given recommendations for improving your facilities and setup. From memory, you will have already paid the fee which you will struggle to recover from candidates before your privilege expires and you have to pay to renew it. Perhaps your location is really busy and you can actually get more money from it than it costs, bearing in mind the contribution you also need to make for the use of the facilities. Most of us do it I guess to add to the service to students at your Club or school. I find it usually takes half a day to conduct the test properly. Quite a bit of this is showing the candidate how to use the software on the computer.
The CAA DO allow the use of alternative equipment, but I don't expect that any is obtainable now, in a format that would satisfy the CAA when they make their visit.
Oh, and another thing. Last time I heard of someone applying, it took over a year from paying their money to finally getting approval to conduct tests, due to a lack of CAA staff.

Good luck
TOO