General

CRE training courses are available for the UK CAA and Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] licence holders including FCL.900(c) certificate holders. Other licence holders must contact their National Aviation Authority (NAA) to ensure they will accept this training course before booking

If required Operator Proficiency Check (OPC) privileges (UK CAA only) can be included in the course.

The assessment of competence is conducted by a UK CAA FOTI/senior examiner or Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] Inspector/senior examiner as applicable at a mutually acceptable location

All applicants considering becoming a CRE shall apply to the UK CAA or Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] in the first instance. If the applicant's qualifications meet the Part FCL requirements then they will receive a letter enabling them to complete the CRE course

The applicant will be assessed throughout the training course prior to taking the assessment of competence

Aims

The aims of CRE course are:

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

(b) To brief the CRE requirements, responsibilities and revalidation requirements

(c) To emphasise the principles of standard examiner techniques

(d) To add OPC privileges (if applicable) [UK CAA only]

(e) To add Seaplane privileges (if applicable)

(f) To add ME privileges (if applicable)

Objectives

The applicant must be able to:

(a) Demonstrate a pre-flight and post flight briefing to include facilitative skills and CRM / TEM

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

(c) State the privileges of the CRE

(d) Describe examiner revalidation and renewal requirements

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

(f) Correctly assess the applicant's performance including technical and non-technical skills

Pre-Entry Requirements

(a) Hold a CPL (A), MPL (A) or ATPL (A) with single-pilot privileges or have held it and hold a PPL (A)

(b) Hold a CRI or FI certificate for the applicable class or type

(c) Have completed 500 hours of flight time as pilot of aeroplanes

(d) Demonstrate to the authority relevant instructional experience on the class or type or, in exceptional circumstances, an equivalent type for which authorisation is sought

In addition, the following material should be studied prior to starting the course:

Part FCL, ARA and ORA including the associated AMC, GM and Appendices
UK CAA Flight Examiners Handbook
EASA Flight Examiner Manual
Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] - examiner.dk webpage
UK CAA Standards Documents 14, 21
UK CAA CAP 804
SERA
UK CAA - Information Notice, Skywise
Part CAT, NCC, NCO, SPO, SPA including associated AMC and GM and Company Operation Manual Part D (if OPC privileges required) [UK CAA only]
Examiner Manual (Part FCL edition) by Alan Newton

Training

Complete a training course at an ATO. The following course durations are a guide only and are dependent on your personal pre-course preparation

CRE SE land / sea privileges - 3 days
CRE SE privileges - 3 days
CRE SE / ME privileges - 3 days

To add privileges to a CRE:
ME - 1 day
Sea - 2 days
IMC Rating - 2 days [UK CAA only]
OPC - 1 day [UK CAA only]

Theoretical Knowledge Training

Introduction and plan for course

Examiner authorisations and requirements
# Appointments
# Validity
# Standardisation
# Who may test whom
# Authorisation restrictions

Basic examining techniques and the role of the examiner
UK CAA Flight Examiners Handbook
EASA Flight Examiner Manual
Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] - examiner.dk webpage
UK CAA Standards Documents 14, 21
UK CAA CAP 393
UK CAA ANO
Part FCL, ORA and ARA including the associated AMC, GM and Appendices
UK CAA - Information Notice, Skywise

Review of examiner core knowledge (Quiz)

Flight test documentation and administration
# Flight crew licence - checking and making entries
# Pilot logbook - checking and recording of flight time
# Medical certificate
# Identification
# For renewal of lapsed ratings - approved course completion certificates
# Class and type rating test/check report forms and examiner’s record
# Notification of failure form
# Insurance
# Personal data protection
# Appeals against conduct of flight tests

Arrangements for the conduct of skill tests and proficiency checks
# Booking and arranging tests and checks
# Use of aeroplanes - equipment, documents, maintenance, serving, insurance, DFT approval
# Use of aerodromes - licence and unlicensed
# Planning and briefing facilities
# Test fees
# Delays, rescheduling, rebooking

Purpose of test
# Initial class or type rating
# Revalidation or renewal of a class or type rating
# Schedule and format - sections and items to include
# Profile (order of events) and selection of route
# Oral examination

Examiner briefing format and techniques
# Initial briefing
# Applicant planning
# Main briefing
# Aide memoire
Sample briefings by tutor
Practice briefings by CRE applicant - review

Conduct of flight exercises
# Examiner conduct - acting as passenger, keeping notes, directing the sequence of events, intervention, briefing, lookout
# Handling of simulated emergencies and abnormal procedures - scenario, realism, safety
# Termination of flight test
# Repeat manoeuvres
# Use of GPS, autopilot, flight director (where fitted)
# Tests/checks in aircraft with:
Single Power Lever Control (SPLC)
Integrated instrument/avionics displays
Electronic Flight Instruments System (EFIS)
Traffic Information Service (TIS)
Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)
Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS)

Actions after flight
# Assessing performance against requirements
# Identifying, assessing and debriefing CRM and TEM
# Debriefing techniques, technical errors, non-technical errors, facilitation
# Failure of skill test and proficiency check - privileges affected
# Re-test requirements
# Re-training - recommended versus mandatory
# Completion of test report form and licence / log book entries
# Statistical records
Sample debriefing by tutor
Practice debriefing by CRE applicant – review

Conduct of tests and checks in FNPTII or FFS
# What is permitted
# Role of examiner
# Generating and maintaining a sense of realism

Addition of ME privileges

Introduction and plan for course
ME examining techniques in the air
ME class/type rating skill test and proficiency check
Flight test documentation and administration for ME tests
Briefing on the assessment of competence - ME privileges
Role of applicant and UK CAA FOTI/senior examiner or Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] inspector/senior examiner as applicable

Addition of OPC privileges (UK CAA only)

Introduction and plan for course
Company Operations Manual Part D
Part CAT, NCC, NCO, SPO, SPA and associated AMC & GM (as applicable)
CRMI training - assessment of non-technical skills and facilitative debriefing techniques
Briefing on the assessment of competence - OPC privileges
Role of applicant and UK CAA FOTI/senior examiner

Addition of Seaplane privileges

Introduction and plan for course
Seaplane examining techniques in the air
Seaplane class/type rating skill test and proficiency check
Flight test documentation and administration for seaplane tests
Briefing on the assessment of competence - Seaplane privileges
Role of applicant and UK CAA FOTI/senior examiner or Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] inspector/senior examiner as applicable

Flight Training

Class Rating Skill Test profile - SE

Class Rating Skill Test profile - SE or ME (see note)

Addition of ME privileges:

# Class Rating Skill Test profile - ME

Addition of OPC privileges (UK CAA only):

# Operator Proficiency Check profile

Addition of Seaplane privileges:

# Class Rating Sea Skill Test profile - SE

Note: CRE SE and ME training course will include a SE skill test and a ME skill test. A CRE SE will include a SE skill test profile and SE proficiency check profile

CRE Assessment of Competence

On successful completion of the training a recommendation will be made for the applicant to complete the assessment of competence. This must be carried out within 6 months of completion of the training. Failure to do so will result in the need for extra training
.
The applicant will be required to conduct an class/type rating skill test with a UK CAA FOTI/senior examiner or Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] Inspector/senior examiner as applicable acting as the test applicant

Applicants wishing both SE and ME privileges will be required to conduct the skill test in the more complex aeroplane, normally the ME aeroplane

Applicants adding ME privileges to an CRE certificate will only be required to conduct a ME class/type rating skill test

Applicants adding Sea privileges to an CRE certificate will be required to conduct a seaplane class/type rating skill test

The class/type skill test schedules are given below

UK CAA only. Where OPC privileges are sought an additional assessment of competence may be conducted as an observed OPC in accordance with the Company Operations Manual Part D. Applicants seeking privileges to conduct OPC will also be required to demonstrate skills as a CRMI

Class/Type Skill Test/Proficiency Check Schedule

Section 1 Departure
Pre-flight including: Documentation, NOTAM, Mass and Balance, Weather briefing
Pre-start checks: External and Internal
Engine Starting: Normal and Malfunctions
Taxiing
Pre-departure checks: Engine run-up (if applicable)
Take-off procedure: Normal with Flight Manual flap settings, Crosswind (if conditions available)
Climbing: Vx / Vy, Turns onto headings, Level off
ATC liaison - Compliance, R/T procedure

Section 2 Airwork (VMC)
Straight and level flight at various airspeeds including flight at critically low airspeed with and without flaps (including approach to Vmca when applicable)
Steep turns: 360º left and right at 45º bank
Stalls and recovery:
(i) Clean stall
(ii) Approach to stall in descending turn with bank with approach configuration and power
(iii) Approach to stall in landing configuration and power
(iv) Approach to stall, climbing turn with take-off flap and climb power (SE only)
Handling using autopilot and flight director (may be conducted in Section 3) (if applicable)
ATC liaison - Compliance, R/T procedure

Section 3A En-Route Procedures (VFR)
(Section 3A shall be completed to revalidate a type or multi-engine class rating, VFR only, where the required experience of 10 route sectors within the previous 12 months has not been completed. Section 3A is not required if section 3B is completed)

Flight plan, dead reckoning and map reading
Maintenance of altitude, heading and speed
Orientation, timing and revision of ETAs
Use of radio navigation aids (if applicable)
Flight management (flight log, routine checks including fuel, systems and icing)
ATC liaison - Compliance, R/T procedure

Section 3B Instrument Flight
(This section is not flown for CRE without IRR)

Section 4 Arrival and Landings
Aerodrome arrival procedure
Normal landing
Flapless landing
Crosswind landing (if suitable conditions)
Approach and landing with idle power from up to 2000 ft above the runway (SE only)
Go-around from minimum height
Night go-around and landing (if applicable)
ATC liaison - Compliance, R/T procedure

Section 5 Abnormal and Emergency Procedures
(This section may be combined with sections 1 through 4)

Rejected take-off at a reasonable speed
Simulated engine failure after take-off (SE only)
Simulated forced landing without power (SE only)
Simulated emergencies: Fire or smoke in flight, System’s malfunctions as appropriate
Engine shutdown and restart at a safe altitude if performed in an aeroplane (ME only)
ATC liaison - Compliance, R/T procedure

Section 6 Simulated Asymmetric Flight
(This section may be combined with sections 1 through 5)

Simulated engine failure during take-off (at a safe altitude unless carried out in FFS or FNPT II)
Asymmetric approach and go-around
Asymmetric approach and full stop landing
ATC liaison - Compliance, R/T procedure

Seaplane Class/Type Skill Test/Proficiency Check Schedule

Section 1 Departure
Pre-flight including: Documentation, NOTAM, Mass and Balance, Weather briefing
Pre-start checks: External and Internal
Engine Start-up and Shutdown: Normal and Malfunctions
Taxiing
Step Taxiing
Mooring: Beach, Jetty/Pier, Buoy
Engine off sailing
Pre-departure checks: Engine run-up (if applicable)
Take-off procedure: Normal with Flight Manual flap settings, Crosswind (if conditions available)
Climbing: Turns onto headings, Level off
ATC liaison - Compliance, R/T procedure

Section 2 Airwork (VMC)
Straight and level flight at various airspeeds including flight at critically low airspeed with and without flaps (including approach to Vmca when applicable)
Steep turns: 360º left and right at 45º bank
Stalls and recovery:
(i) Clean stall
(ii) Approach to stall in descending turn with bank with approach configuration and power
(iii) Approach to stall in landing configuration and power
(iv) Approach to stall, climbing turn with take-off flap and climb power (SE only)
Handling using autopilot and flight director (may be conducted in Section 3) (if applicable)
ATC liaison - Compliance, R/T procedure

Section 3A En-Route Procedures (VFR)
(Section 3 shall be completed to revalidate a seaplane type or multi-engine class rating, VFR only, where the required experience of 10 route sectors within the previous 12 months has not been completed)

Flight plan, dead reckoning and map reading
Maintenance of altitude, heading and speed
Orientation, timing and revision of ETAs
Use of radio navigation aids (if applicable)
Flight management (flight log, routine checks including fuel, systems and icing)
ATC liaison - Compliance, R/T procedure

Section 3B Instrument Flight
(This section is not flown for CRE seaplane)

Section 4 Arrival and Landings
Aerodrome arrival procedure (Amphibians only)
Normal landing
Flapless landing
Crosswind landing (if suitable conditions)
Approach and landing with idle power from up to 2000 ft above the runway (SE only)
Go-around from minimum height
Glassy water landing
Rough water landing
ATC liaison - Compliance, R/T procedure

Section 5 Abnormal and Emergency Procedures
(This section may be combined with sections 1 through 4)

Rejected take-off at a reasonable speed
Simulated engine failure after take-off (SE only)
Simulated forced landing without power (SE only)
Simulated emergencies: Fire or smoke in flight, System’s malfunctions as appropriate
Engine shutdown and restart at a safe altitude if performed in an aeroplane (ME only)
ATC liaison - Compliance, R/T procedure

Section 6 Simulated Asymmetric Flight
(This section is not applicable for a SE seaplane CRE)
(This section may be combined with sections 1 through 5)

Simulated engine failure during take-off (at a safe altitude unless carried out in FFS or FNPT II)
Engine shut down and re-start (ME skill test only)
Asymmetric approach and go-around
Asymmetric approach and full stop landing
ATC liaison - Compliance, R/T procedure

Validity

36 months

Revalidation

(a) Conduct 6 skill tests/proficiency checks/assessments of competence within the validity of the certificate (see note 1)

(b) Conduct 1 skill test/proficiency check/assessment from in the final year as an observed or dummy test with a UK CAA FOTI, Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] Inspector or senior examiner as applicable

(c) Attend an examiner refresher course (seminar) in the final year of validity of the certificate (see note 2)

Notes:
1 . When an examiner holds more than one examiner certificate, combined revalidation of all examiner privileges may be achieved when the applicant complies with the requirements of (a), (b) and (c). However, the Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] requires the Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] examiner to have conducted 6 tests/checks/assessments per examiner privilege held (e.g. 6 as a TRE, 6 as a CRE, etc). If this requirement is not met, the examiner privilege will be removed, unless the observed test is performed for that specific privilege
2. The examiner refresher course (seminar) must be approved by the UK CAA or Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] to be accepted

Renewal

(a) Complete a skill test/proficiency check/assessment of competence as an observed or dummy test with a UK CAA FOTI, Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] Inspector or senior examiner as applicable (see note 2)

(b) Attend an examiner refresher course (see note 1)

Both (a) and (b) shall be completed within 12 months prior to application to renew

Notes:
1. The examiner refresher course (seminar) must be approved by the UK CAA or Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] to be accepted
2. This item shall be completed last for the Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] in accordance with FCL.1030(ii). This is not the case for the UK CAA

FCL.1030
When conducting skill tests, proficiency checks and assessments of competence, examiners shall:
(i) ensure that communication with the applicant can be established without language barriers
(ii) verify that the applicant complies with all the qualification, training and experience requirements in Part FCL for the issue, revalidation or renewal of the licence, rating or certificate for which the skill test, proficiency check or assessment of competence is taken
(iii) make the applicant aware of the consequences of providing incomplete, inaccurate or false information related to their training and flight experience

Privileges (as applicable)

Conduct skill tests for the issue of class ratings and SP type ratings (except for SP HPCA type ratings)

Conduct proficiency checks for revalidation and renewal of class ratings and SP type ratings (except for SP HPCA type ratings)

Sign certificates in respect of class ratings and SP type ratings for revalidation or renewal

Conduct OPC (when training and the assessment of competence includes OPC) [UK CAA only]

Conduct tests and checks in seaplanes (when training and the assessment of competence includes seaplanes)

References

UK CAA CAP 393
UK CAA Air Navigation Order
UK CAA Flight Examiners Handbook
EASA Flight Examiner Manual
Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] - examiner.dk webpage
UK CAA Standards Documents 14, 21
UK CAA CAP 804
SERA
Part CAT, FCL, NCC, NCO, SPO and SPA including the associated AMC, GM and Appendices
Examiner Manual (Part FCL edition) by Alan Newton