Medical requirements for FI
 

At the somewhat advanced age of 60, I've set out to get a flying instructor qualification, with the intention of training prospective PPLs in the UK and Spain. Can anyone confirm that a Class 2 medical will be sufficient, or do I need to get a Class 1 to work?

As long as you'll only be training to PPL level, you should be able to use a Class 2 medical. You are required to hold at least the licence for which instruction is given (FCL.915 (b)(1)). I am guessing that you probably have a CPL, but if your medical is a Class 2 you can only exercise the priviliges of a PPL and instruct for that. The next question is whether you can be paid for said instruction. I'm not sure what the current status is on that topic (see FCL.205.A PPL(A), but I'm not sure if a CPL(A) and Class 2 Medical covers the same situation here. It probably does.). I've based this on EASA Part-FCL and Part-MED. UK regulations should be similar but may change of course.

You only need class 1 if you want to teach commercial pilots through the integrated or modular course !

I may be wrong but I believe you'll require at least an EASA PPL/FI for Spain and a UK Part-FCL PPL/FI for the UK.

To ensure they are valid you'll need a the appropriate medical (you will require an EASA & UK CAA Class 2 to validate both licences).

If you haven't already gained a CPL or ATPL then you'll need to take the appropriate CPL or ATPL exams (ATPL recommended if you envisage adding an IR to your licence within three years), without which for ab-initio training you'll be limited to teaching the LAPL syllabus. You only need the exam passed, no need to actually hold a CPL or ATPL.

The only time you'll need to obtain a Class 1 is if you decide at a later date to teach the CPL course, then you'll need a CPL or ATPL and a Class 1 medical.

You can, however obtain an IRI and CRI(ME) teach the MEIR using a Class 2 medical.

Thanks for all the above. Class 2 medical it is then, as I have no intention of doing more than simple PPL. Understand that I have to do the EASA version of the exams to instruct in Spain etc. I'm only a PPL myself at the moment, so just starting on the CPL theory course. Bit of a grind to say the least! The actual FI course seems a long way away at the moment.

There is only the EASA version of the exams as the UK does not have any of its own. So as to keep Spain happy that might mean you would need to do them in a country other than the UK so look for somewhere that you can do them in English.

Thanks, I'm told I can sit them in the UK.

Is it not possible to instruct using a PMD?

Yes, but only on a National licence for a NPPL

And of course, not forgetting if you are U.K. resident you will need a working visa for anywhere in EASA land and/or vice-versa.

The whole point of an EASA licence is that it is valid in any EASA State! I have heard of France only accepting French issued licences but that is normal for them and contrary to the EU regulation.

F..k the French !

No problem with EASA licenses, they are recognised, but for the Instructor Certificates they insist that you speak French.

I ran an IRI course for a French student who had been an instructor at Dijon, when he changed his SOLI to the UK, he was told he could no longer instruct at Dijon. I think he could still speak french!

I'm not a lawyer but that sounds ridiculous. If the french instructor was told that by the French authority it should be appealed. The French argue generally; how can you teach a French student the French syllabus if you cannot speak the language. However, as in the UK, you can be told nonsense at club level, spread widely by rumour. The french do not enjoy outside interference or compromise on their culture. Equally ridiculous. if true, is the reverse. To obtain a French issued licence, I've heard, then you must obtain a French English language assessment. This is required even if you are English born bred and hold a UK CAA English Language certificate at level 6. Then again I might be spreading a rumour as I haven't checked this officially.