Introduction

The CAA now considers PPL FEs to be independent of any Flying Training Organisation (FTO) / Registered Facility (RF). With this in mind the CAA appoint PPL FEs on a regional basis therefore all applicants considering becoming a PPL FE shall apply to the CAA in the first instance. If the applicants qualifications are acceptable and there is a requirement for an additional PPL FE then they will receive a letter enabling them to attend the PPL FE Course. In addition, each applicant will receive a copy of the Flight Examiners Handbook and the Core Course self study package from the CAA. The Core Course self study package must be completed prior to commencing the PPL FE Course.

Aims

The aims of PPL FE Course are:

(a) To ensure that the applicant has the skill and potential to become a FE PPL

(b) To brief the PPL FE requirements, responsibilities and revalidation requirements

(c) To emphasise the principles of standard examiner techniques

Objectives

The applicant must be able to:

(a) Demonstrate a pre-flight and post flight briefing

(b) Demonstrate how to conduct a flight test and ground examination

(c) State the privileges of the PPL FE

(d) Describe the PPL FE revalidation requirements

(e) Explain the how to complete the flight test documentation and administration

Pre-Entry Requirements

(a) Hold the licence and rating at least equal to that for which authorisation to test is sought (a national licence is acceptable for the time being, any change will be promulgated by AIC)

(b) Hold a current unrestricted FI rating valid for the class or type of aircraft for which the authorisation is sought. Pilots wishing to conduct tests for the IMC rating must also hold the privileges to instruct for this rating

(c) Have flown at least 1000 hours as pilot of aeroplanes, including not less than 250 flight instructional hours

(d) If you do not hold a JAA licence you have to demonstrate a knowledge of JAR-FCL and JAR-OPS (Form SRG1153)

(e) Hold the privilege to instruct for the licence or rating for which authorisation to conduct the skill tests is sought

(f) Be qualified to act as PIC of the aeroplane during a skill test or proficiency check

Flying and Ground Training

Complete a self study Core Course which will give the applicant knowledge of, and pratice in, the core skills required of all examiners. The study material for the Core Course, which is available from the UK CAA, includes:

Then undergo a 2-3 day training course conducted by an Flight Instructor Examiner (FIE) covering the following:

DAY 1

• Introduction and plan for course
• Examiner authorisations and requirements - JAR FCL
  • Appointments
  • Validity
  • Standardisation
  • Who may test whom
• Basic examining techniques and the role of the examiner
  • Flight Examiners Handbook
  • Standards Documents 14, 17, 19 and 21
• Demonstration of knowledge of JAR-FCL and JAR-OPS (Core Course training package)
• Flight test documentation and administration
  • PPL Skill Test report and form FCL 684
  • Medical - JAR Med 164
  • Form SRG1128 (Examiner Authorisation Issue/Reissue/Variation - Application)
  • Forms (SRG1119, SRG1105, SRG1176, SRG1157, SRG1125)
  • Examiner insurance
  • Applicants - personal data protection
  • Appeals against conduct of flight tests
• PPL Skill Test
  • Purpose of test
  • Skill Test schedule and format
  • Skill Test tolerances
  • Skill Test standard
  • Planning for test
  • Route selection
  • Separate flights for navigation
• Conduct of Skill Test and Proficiency Check
  • Revalidation and renewal requirements
  • Test/check schedules
  • Oral examination
  • Form handling
• Arrangements for the conduct of skill tests and proficiency checks
  • Booking Skill Tests
  • Approval of aeroplanes
  • Use of aerodromes (ANO Article 126)
  • Training facilities
  • Test fees - payment
• Examiner briefing format and techniques
  • Initial briefing
  • Planning
  • Main briefing - aide memoire
  • Sample briefing by FIE
  • Practice briefing by FE applicant - review

DAY 2

• Review of previous day's training
• Conduct of flight exercises
  • Examiner techniques in the air
  • Handling of simulated emergencies and abnormal procedures
  • Termination of flight test
  • Repeat manoeuvres
  • Partial pass
  • Incomplete tests
• Actions after flight
  • Debriefing techniques - sample by FIE
  • Flight test results
  • Failure of Skill Test and Proficiency Check - privileges affected
  • Flight re-test requirements
  • Re-training - recommended / mandatory
  • Completion of test report form and licence / log book entries
  • Statistical records
• Briefing for Examiner Acceptance Flight Test
• Examiner Acceptance Flight Test - 4 hours

DAY 3 (if multi-engine examiner privileges required)

• Multi-Engine Piston Skill Test
  • Purpose of test
  • Flight test schedule and format
  • Flight test tolerances
  • Flight test standard
  • Planning for test
• Flight test documentation and administration
  • Forms as applicable to ME SPA (SRG1157)
• Conduct of Skill Test and Proficiency Check
  • Revalidation and renewal requirements
  • Test/check schedules
  • Oral examination
  • Form handling
• Actions after flight
  • Failure of Skill Test and Proficiency Check - privileges affected
  • Flight re-test requirements
  • Re-training - recommended / mandatory
  • Completion of test report form and licence / log book entries
• Statistical records
• Briefing for Examiner Acceptance Flight Test
• Examiner Acceptance Flight Test - 2 hours

Acceptance Flight Test

The candidate will conduct a PPL Skill Test with the FIE acting as a dummy student in real time. The candidate will be expected to brief and debrief the FIE and complete the relevant paperwork. An Acceptance Flight Test is required for each privilege required.

• SE PPL FE - 4 hours approx
• ME PPL FE - 2 hours approx

Privileges

(a) Conduct skill tests for the grant of a PPL (A)

(b) Conduct skill tests and proficiency checks for the grant, revalidation or renewal of a class or type rating on single pilot aeroplanes

(c) Sign Certificate of Test (C of T) in respect of the revalidation and renewal (if less than 5 years from previous C of T) of the ratings referred to in (b) above

(d) Conduct flight tests for the grant or renewal of an IMC rating (included in a BCPL or PPL) and for signing C of T in respect of such a rating if so authorised (see Pre-Entry Requirements para (b))

Validity

PPL FE authorisation shall be valid for not more than 3 years.

Revalidation Requirements

(a) Conduct at least 2 skill tests or proficiency checks within each year of authorisation

(b) One of the skill tests or proficiency checks within the final year of authorisation should be observed by an FIE or UK CAA FE

References