INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATES · FI(A)
Flight Instructor Certificate
Develop the skills to teach people to fly, combining sound flying with effective instruction.
Course summary
The FI(A) course develops teaching, briefing, demonstration and assessment skills. Initial privileges are subject to supervision and restrictions; further experience and qualifications are needed for additional instructional privileges.
Entry requirements
- At least 18 years old and meet the applicable licence, rating and instructor prerequisites.
- Hold at least a CPL(A), or an eligible PPL with the required CPL theoretical knowledge; a limited LAPL-only instruction exception exists.
- On the PPL route: at least 200 hours flight time in aeroplanes or TMGs, including 150 hours as PIC.
- At least 10 hours instrument flight instruction, with no more than 5 in an eligible simulator; 20 hours VFR cross-country as PIC.
- At least 30 hours in the relevant class/type, including 5 in the 6 months before assessment, and a 300 NM VFR PIC cross-country with full-stop landings at two other aerodromes.
- Pass the specific pre-entry flight assessment within the 6 months before course start.
Credits available
- Holders or former holders of another Part-FCL instructor certificate can receive teaching-and-learning credit.
- Specified instructor experience in another aircraft category may give theoretical instruction credit. The ATO checks each claimed credit before enrolment.
Hours
- Pre-entry assessment
- Club outline: approximately 1 hour
- Teaching and learning
- 25 hours
- Theoretical instruction
- At least 100 hours, including progress tests, before applicable credits
- Flight instruction
- At least 30 hours, including 25 hours dual
- Completion
- Assessment of competence with an appropriately authorised examiner
These are regulatory minimums before applicable credits. The approved training programme sets out the ground and flight instruction.
Theoretical knowledge (TK)
The course covers teaching and learning, lesson planning, theoretical instruction, threat and error management, student assessment and training administration. CPL-level knowledge prerequisites and the FI course’s own theoretical instruction are distinct requirements.
Ground school at the clubFrequently asked questions
Can I instruct with a PPL?
There is a PPL entry route, subject to the experience and knowledge requirements and the privileges sought. Ask us to review your eligibility.
Can I teach independently immediately?
Initial FI privileges are restricted and exercised under supervision until the applicable conditions are met.
Does this include instrument-rating instruction?
IR instruction requires additional privileges and experience. It is not automatically included in an initial FI certificate.
Keep the course information.
FI(A) course brochure
A club-branded PDF with the same course information. Prices are maintained on our pricing page.
Draft for club review. FCL.915, FCL.915.FI, FCL.910.FI, FCL.930.FI and FCL.935; supplied FI/CRI outline. EASA licensing and medical rules (opens in a new tab). Training availability, approved scope and individual eligibility are confirmed before enrolment.