Qualifying as an FIC instructor is most rewarding...

General

All applicants must apply to the UK CAA to become an FIC instructor. If the applicants qualifications are acceptable then they will be asked to attend an Initial Assessment at a CAA Regional Test Centre. If the applicant is successful at this stage then they can proceed to the FIC Preparatory Course. Having successfully completed this course the applicant will then be able to take a FIC Proficiency Check. For more detailed information see Standards Documents 37.

Application

Applicants for FIC authorisation must meet the following requirements:

(a) Hold a valid UK / JAA ATPL (A) or CPL (A) (not BCPL)

(b) Hold a valid FI rating (not FI (R) or AFI)

(c) Have 500 hours ab-initio flying instructional experience as the holder of a FI rating in aeroplanes

(d) Have a letter of recommendation from the FTO at which courses will be conducted

The application form and fee must be submited to the UK CAA. If the applicants qualifications are acceptable then they will be asked to attend an Intial Assessment at a CAA Regional Test Centre.

Initial Assessment

All successful applicants will be invited for an Initial Assessment at a UK CAA Regional Test Centre. The assessment team will consist of a Flight Instructor Examiner (FIE) from within industry and a UK CAA FE (Flight Examiner). The assessment will be conducted as a group session involving one or more applicants and will last approximately 4 hours. The assessment will include discussion of airborne instructional exercises, theoretical knowledge questions, ground instructional techniques and pre-flight briefings. The applicant will be advised immediately after the Initial Assessment if they have been successful. If successful the applicant may then complete the FIC Preparatory Course. To help you prepare for the Initial Assessment On-Track provide an FIC Training Day

FIC Preparatory Course

All applicants after successfully completing the Initial Assessment will proceed to the FIC Preparatory Course. The 2-day FIC Preparatory Course is designed to provide the applicant with tuition on how to conduct and organise FI courses at an FTO and to prepare them for the FIC Proficiency Check. Once the applicant has successfully completed the course they may proceed to the FIC Proficiency Check. On-Track can provide the FIC Preparatory Course

FIC Proficiency Check

Once the applicant has successfully completed the Application, Initial Assessment and the FIC Preparatory Course they may proceed to the FIC Proficiency Check. The test is normally conducted by a member of the Initial Assessment panel. The applicant will be told at the time of the interview who will be conducting the Proficiency Check. It is the responsibility of the applicant to contact the examiner and arrange the details of the test. On-Track FIEs have been asked conduct the FIC Proficiency Check.

The duration of the test is approximately 8 hours. The skill test wiil consist of the following sections:

(a) Briefing by the FE

(b) Pre flight briefing of a PPL basic exercise (20 mins)

(c) The flight component of the skill test (1.5 to 2 hours) - teach the JAA PPL basic exercise as briefed, teach parts of other JAA PPL exercises including stalling, spinning, instrument flying (instrument approach), PFL and visual circuit. There may be additional topics as briefed by the CAA FE which may be taught or flown as a skill exercise

(d) The ground oral examination - high degree of indepth knowledge expected

(e) Formal lesson of approx 45 minutes duration using all available visual aids (not less than 2 days notice)

(f) De briefing

Note: A partial pass at the FIC Proficiency Check is not an option.

FIC Authorisation

Once the applicant has successfully passed the Application, Initial Assessment, FIC Preparatory Course and the FIC Proficiency Check the UK CAA will award them FIC authorisation.

Privileges

Conduct training for FI ratings and associated additional qualifications at an FTO.

Validity

FIC authorisation will run concurrently with the validity of the holder's FI rating.

Revalidation Requirements

Pass a FI proficiency check within 12 months of expiry with an FIE as one of the requirements to be met to revalidate an FI rating. Continuing suitability to be an FIC instructor will be assessed during this check.

References