Rotorflight - Helicopter Training

Instructor Rating

If you are thinking of a career in aviation (whether part time or full time) then becoming a helicopter Flying Instructor (FI) is a good way of building Pilot in Command (PIC) hours and valuable experience whilst also receiving remuneration for your services. Prior to obtaining an FI rating, then a CPL(H) must be obtained before instructor course can commence.

JAR FCL FI(A) and FI(H) RATINGS

General Information

Flight Instructor (Restricted) and Flight Instructor (FI) Ratings are issued for all classes of single pilot aeroplanes/helicopters.

Pre-requisites

All instructors shall unless specified otherwise:

• Hold at least the licence, rating and qualification for which instruction is being given
• Have at least 15 hours experience as pilot on the type of class of aeroplane on which instruction is being given, and
• Shall be entitled to act as Pilot in Command (PIC) of the aircraft during such training.

Remuneration

In order to receive payment for flight instruction, an instructor most hold a valid professional pilots licence (CPL/ATPL) and a valid JAR-FCL Class 1 Medical Certificate.

Instructors who holda valid private pilot licence and valid JAR-FCL Class 2 Medical Certificate are entitled to instruct but cannot receive payment for this service*.

* This does not apply to the holder of a UK PPL(H) who qualified prior to 1 January 2000 under national arrangements.

Minimum Age

An applicant for a Flight Instructor Rating shall be at least 18 years of age.

Validities

All instructor ratings issued in accordance with JAR-FCL are valid for three years from the date of passing the Skill Test.

FI (H) HELICOPTER RATING

Restricted Privileges

Subject to any other conditions, specified in JARs, the holder of a JAR-FCL FI (H) will be restricted to the following carried out under the supervision of a FI(H) authorised for the purpose:

a. Flight Instruction for the issue of a JAR-FCL PPL (H) or those parts of a CPL (H) or ATPL (H) integrated course at PPL (H) level and type ratings for single pilot, single engine helicopters, excluding approval of first solo flight by day or by night and first solo navigation flight by day or by night; and

b. Night flying instruction, provided a helicopter night qualification or rating is held (as applicable), the ability to instruct at night has been demonstrated to a FI (H) training in accordance with JAR-FCL 2.330 (f) and the night currency requirement of JAR-FCL 2.026 is satisfied.

Pre-requisite flight and theoretical knowledge requirements

Before commencing an approved Flight Instructors Course an applicant must satisfy all of the following course pre-entry requirements:

a. Hold either a valid UK CAA or JAR-FCL Pilot Licence that includes a valid type rating on the specific type to be used in the FI Skill Test.
b. Meet the knowledge requirements for the grant of a JAR-FCL CPL (H).
c. Completed at least 250 hours of flight time of which at least 100 hours shall be as Pilot-in-Command if holding a ATPL(H) or CPL(H) or 200 hours as Pilot-in-Command if holding a PPL(H):

i. Received at least 10 hours instrument flight instruction of which not more than 5 hours may be instrument ground time in a FNPT II or flight simulator;

ii. Completed at least 20 hours of cross-county flight as PIC of helicopters;

iii. Pass a specific pre-entry flight test with a qualified FI qualified based upon the proficiency check , within the six months preceding the start of the course.*

* The pre-entry flight test will assess the ability of the applicant to undertake the course.

Flight and Theoretical Training Requirements - FI(H) Course

An applicant for the FI (H) rating shall have completed an approved course of both flight and theoretical knowledge instruction training at an approved FTO. The course is intended to train the applicant to give instruction on single engine helicopters up to PPL (H) standard. This must include the particular requirements specified below and each of these requirements must be met in full.

a. The flight instruction shall comprise at least 30 hours of flight training of which:

i. 25 hours must be dual instruction.

ii. 5 hours may be as mutual flying with another FI applicant.

b. 125 hours of theoretical knowledge instruction to include:

i. 40 hours tuition;

ii. 78 hours teaching practice;

iii. 7 hours progress tests

• 5 hours of the dual instruction requirements may be conducted in a flight simulator or FNPT approved for the purpose by the Authority.

• The above course can also include the training requirements to allow night instruction.

Credits from JAR-FCL FI Theoretical Training

* Holders of a valid instructor rating will be credited the teaching and learning element of the theoretical knowledge training.

FI (H) Rating Flight and Theoretical Training Requirements to Extend Privileges or Remove Flight Instructor Restrictions

Addition of other single-pilot, single engine helicopter type to FI(H) providing that the FI(H) has completed not less than 15 flight hours on that specific type in the preceding 12 months.

Removal of Supervisory Restriction

The Supervisory Restriction can be removed on the recommendation of the supervising FI (H) once the applicant has at least 100 hours flight instruction and, in addition, has supervised at least 25 student solo flight air exercises.

It should be noted that supervision of a students PPL (H) qualifying cross country flight is counted as one flight only. Approval of first solo flights by day or night and first solo navigation flights by day or night are excluded.
UK AFI(H) holders who are also required to upgrade to FI(H) using the same procedures as above, either before or at the same time as upgrading, must also remove the No Instrument instruction restriction as detailed below.

Removal of No Night Instruction Restriction

a. Hold either a Night Qualification or Night Rating (Helicopter) and be in current flying practice.

b. Complete at least 1 hour of flight training at night and 5 hours of theoretical training. All training to be conducted by a FIC Instructor at an approved FIC Flight Training Organisation (FTO). This flight training should include a night navigation instructional exercise and night emergencies in addition to circuit and landing work. Obtain recommendation from the FIC Instructor for the removal of the restriction.