Flying Instructor
Qualify to teach ab-initio pilots
Overview
FI Course
Only a qualified Flying Instructor is permitted to deliver ab-initio pilot training. After completing a training course and passing the assessment of competence your National CAA will issue an EASA FI(A) certificate with privileges restricted in accordance with Part FCL.910.FI.
Timeframes
Timelines and Duration.
30h
Hours flight instruction (25h dual + 5h mutual)
125h
Hours ground instruction
25h
Hours teaching and learning
100h
Hours PPL theoretical knowledge instruction
Costs
Course Pricing.
Course price
£10,800
Based on Grob 115B. Excludes pre-course assessment and AoC.
Price includes
- FI(A) flying and ground training per FCL syllabus on Grob 115B
- 25 hours teaching and learning and 100 hours theoretical knowledge instruction
Price excludes
- Pre-entry assessment flight with a FIC instructor
- Assessment of Competence with independent FIE
- Additional £850 when training for EASA licence
- Landing fees and sorties beyond the standard syllabus
Aircraft
Meet the Training Fleet.
Course Details
Structure and Certifications.
Prerequisites
General
- Pass a pre-entry assessment flight with a FIC instructor
- Hold an EASA CPL(A) or PPL(A)
- 5 hours as PIC in the 6 months before course start
- Valid EASA medical per Part-MED
- Meet educational and experience requirements below before applying for AoC
Minimum age: 18 years to apply for FI(A).
Educational requirements:
- Instructing for PPL — CPL/ATPL theory exams required
- Instructing for LAPL — CPL/ATPL theory exams not required
Experience (logbook evidence):
- 200 hours total (PPL path only — not applicable to CPL holders)
- 150 hours PIC (PPL path only)
- 30 hours SEP minimum
- 5 hours in the 6 months before course start
- Completed a 300 nm qualifying cross-country
- 10 hours IF (maximum 5 hours in a simulator)
Credits: CRI, IRI or TRI course holders may be credited with teaching and learning elements per FCL.915(c). Any course abbreviation needs prior SARG approval before training begins.
Ground training
Ground instruction includes 25 hours teaching and learning and at least 100 hours theoretical knowledge instruction from the PPL/LAPL syllabus:
- Air Law
- Aeroplane General Knowledge
- Flight Performance and Planning
- Human Performance and Limitations
- Meteorology
- Navigation
- Operational Procedures
- Principles of Flight
- Communications
- Training Administration
During the course you practice delivering ground lessons to the FIC instructor.
Flight training
At least 30 hours of flight instruction — 25 hours dual flight instruction and 5 hours dual or mutual flying (two student instructors flying together to practice demonstrations).
Air exercises are taken from the PPL(A) syllabus with FI(A) additions to cover instructional technique.
Assessment of Competence
After successfully completing training, you go forward to an independent Flying Instructor Examiner for an Assessment of Competence (AoC). This should be carried out within 6 months of completing training; otherwise a refresher package is required.
AoC fees are not included in the quoted course price.
Frequenty Asked Questions
Your questions answered.
Can I start on a PPL?
Yes — with 200 hours total and 150 hours PIC on the PPL path, plus SEP, recency, cross-country and instrument requirements. CPL holders have different totals.
What is restricted FI?
FI(R) privileges apply until you meet experience requirements; you teach under supervision of an unrestricted FI until the restriction is removed.
Which aircraft?
Core FI training on our Grob 115B; Cessna 152 and Piper PA-38 are also part of our training fleet where applicable.
Is the AoC included?
No — the course fee covers ATO training only. The Assessment of Competence with an independent FIE is separate.
What is the EASA supplement?
+£850 on the quoted package when training for EASA FI(A) paperwork — confirm UK CAA vs EASA when you enquire.
What does pre-entry assessment involve?
A flight with a FIC instructor to confirm entry requirements and suitability before course dates are reserved.
How do I book?
Email bookings@britishaerobaticacademy.com or call +44 (0)1763 208 281.