FI training

[TheYorkshireFlyer]

Hi all

I believe you need the CPL exams to become an FI to teach the PPL. To be paid do you require a CPL too?

If you were to go on to train pilots to become FIs what would the process be?

Many thanks.

[FlyingFiddler]

PPL with FI rating you can train students for the LAPL and be paid.
CPL with FI rating you can train up to CPL, if you have the hours and be paid.

[Whopity]

I believe you need the CPL exams to become an FI to teach the PPL. To be paid do you require a CPL too?

Yes and No. A FI with a PPL may be remunerated for Flight Instruction and Examining

If you were to go on to train pilots to become FIs what would the process be?

Under the UK National system a FIC Instructor needed around 2500 hours instructional experience and had to undergoe a rigourous selection process however; EASA has seen fit to lower the standard by about 80%

FCL.905.FI FI — Privileges and conditions
The privileges of an FI are to conduct flight instruction for the issue, revalidation or renewal of:
(i) an FI, IRI, CRI, STI or MI certificate provided that the FI has:
(1) completed at least:
(i) in the case of an FI(S), at least 50 hours or 150 launches of flight instruction on sailplanes;
(ii) in the case of an FI(B), at least 50 hours or 50 take-offs of flight instruction on balloons;
(iii) in all other cases, 500 hours of flight instruction in the appropriate aircraft category;
(2) passed an assessment of competence in accordance with FCL.935 in the appropriate aircraft category to demonstrate to a Flight Instructor Examiner (FIE) the ability to instruct for the FI certificate;

Just because you have the hours in (1)(iii) does not mean you will be able to achieve (2) as easily. but that depends on which State you are in!

[zero1]

Please note you need to pass the CPL theory only and not the CPL GFT's to teach the PPL.

If you do not have the CPL theory then you can only teach the LAPL. And another common question is that these hours do not count towards a PPL unless the student completes the LAPL course.

[Duchess_Driver]

Out of interest, what's the upgrade path from LAPL only...just the exams or another AOC?

[Ex Oggie]

Out of interest, what's the upgrade path from LAPL only...just the exams or another AOC?

Achive a pass in the examinations, then apply to the CAA for the licence to be updated with new FI certificate privileges.

[zero1]

Ex Oggie, is right.... expect a bill of £4K+, and about 13 to 18 months to complete. Trust me I am doing this now and it's bloody hard, with the amount of rubbish you have to cover...

[GipsyMagpie]

Do you keep your privilege to instruct for PPL once the CPL exam theory expires 3 years down the line?

[Duchess_Driver]

The wording of the regulation seems to suggest that you demonstrate CPL knowledge. The definition of this in the front of Part-FCL states that it is done by passing the EASA CPL exams. I would expect that having passed them once you've demonstrated your level of knowledge and there is (AFAIK) no requirement to keep doing so every three years!

[Ex Oggie]

The wording of the regulation seems to suggest that you demonstrate CPL knowledge. The definition of this in the front of Part-FCL states that it is done by passing the EASA CPL exams. I would expect that having passed them once you've demonstrated your level of knowledge and there is (AFAIK) no requirement to keep doing so every three years!

DD is correct. You only need to demonstrate the ability once by passing the examinations. This would also apply if you had passed the exams, say, 10 years ago. Expired for the purpose of obtaining a CPL, but you have demonstrated CPL knowledge for an FI/PPL certificate.

[rarelyathome]

Originally Posted by zero1

Ex Oggie, is right.... expect a bill of £4K+, and about 13 to 18 months to complete. Trust me I am doing this now and it's bloody hard, with the amount of rubbish you have to cover...

Can't really argue with the sentiment but the timescale is a bit pessimistic. It is hard work but can be done in much less than 13 months.