Go Back  PPRuNe Forums > Aircrew Forums > Flying Instructors & Examiners
Reload this Page >

Revalidating FI(A) - is it worth it?

Wikiposts
Search
Flying Instructors & Examiners A place for instructors to communicate with one another because some of them get a bit tired of the attitude that instructing is the lowest form of aviation, as seems to prevail on some of the other forums!

Revalidating FI(A) - is it worth it?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 14th Jan 2015, 08:08
  #1 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,780
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Revalidating FI(A) - is it worth it?

I hold an FI(A) rating valid until end of May 2015. I am not actively using the rating at the moment. As this will be the second revalidation, I will need to do a flight test. Am I correct in thinking that the procedure and expense involved is thus no different from renewing the rating entirely?

I am just wondering whether it is worth revalidating the rating. As I am not actively using it, is there any disadvantage in letting it lapse and then renewing it if (ever) I actually need it?
Trim Stab is offline  
Old 14th Jan 2015, 08:27
  #2 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,815
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I was in the same position and have renewed it once.

Didn't cost that much but didn't recover the costs.

Its more the ball ache of getting to the various places and moons aligned with the rostering gods.

Its the same as any other rating. Once its gone for a bit it gradually reverts to as if you have never held it.

I you don't use it currently forget you have it.

You will more than likely think hey I can go MEP CRI and do it that way for the same price. But when you find out about the MEP experence you need you realise that its cheaper doing a 747 rating.
mad_jock is offline  
Old 14th Jan 2015, 08:33
  #3 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: UK,Twighlight Zone
Posts: 0
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Its not difficult, you do a teaching presentation from one of the fixed subjects (take a look at the Examiner report form) and hen do a flown exercise.

My last one took a couple of hours total. I will do the same again this time which will be next month.
S-Works is offline  
Old 14th Jan 2015, 08:34
  #4 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,780
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Well is it really just the same as losing any other rating?

As far as I can understand, the cost/hassle of revalidating for the second time (i.e. when a flight test is needed) is exactly the same as the cost/hassle of renewal?

My only real need for the rating at the moment is that it helps in getting freelance contracts for the the more specialised flying training that I occasionally do (survey and surveillance flying). I am fairly sure that I am never going to do any PPL training, given the low-pay levels.
Trim Stab is offline  
Old 14th Jan 2015, 08:43
  #5 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: South East England
Posts: 586
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Very little instructing work out there at present.I manage about 30 hours per annum.I,ve just let my Flight Examiner lapse after over 30 years worn down by the ever increasing cost and complexity of maintaining it.In spite of many instructors lapsing their ratings there still seems a gross oversupply of instructors in the home counties for an ever decreasing and aging market.Pity to let it go after all the effort you will have put in but if your not going to use it the money saved can go towards your eventual renewal costs should you really need to!I,ve saved a fortune deciding to let my MEP rating lapse 13 years ago and could now pay for the course many times over with what I,ve saved.
Stampe is offline  
Old 14th Jan 2015, 08:53
  #6 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 6,581
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
If you don't have the hours you need a Seminar and a Test to revalidate, exactly the same to renew it. Thankfully, the renewal process has not been overcomplicated so do it when you need it.
Whopity is offline  
Old 14th Jan 2015, 09:46
  #7 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,780
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks Whopity - that is the confirmation I was after.
Trim Stab is offline  
Old 14th Jan 2015, 10:17
  #8 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,815
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
if you let and let it lapse is when it starts going like any other rating.

If your in GA circles is worth keeping, if not for anything else that most insurance policy's have an inclusion of Instructors rated as well as named pilots.
mad_jock is offline  
Old 14th Jan 2015, 21:11
  #9 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Warrington, UK
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It depends whether it is going to be Asset or Liability. Your choice.
n.dave is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.