FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR
FI(A)
The FI(A) course develops experienced pilots into professional flight instructors capable of transferring knowledge, demonstrating flying exercises and developing safe, disciplined and competent student pilots.
FROM PILOT
TO FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR
The FI(A) course develops the instructional knowledge, flying demonstrations, communication skills and teaching techniques required to train future pilots safely and effectively. The programme combines teaching methodology, theoretical instruction and practical airborne instruction.
25 hours
100 hours
30 hours
Certificate
A good instructor does more than demonstrate a manoeuvre — they teach the student how to think like a pilot.
DEVELOP THE SKILLS
TO TEACH FLYING
The FI(A) course transforms existing flying competence into instructional competence. Training develops teaching methodology, lesson planning, demonstration technique, student observation, error analysis and safe supervision.
FROM EXPERIENCED PILOT TO QUALIFIED INSTRUCTOR
Training progresses from teaching fundamentals through ground instruction and airborne demonstrations to supervised instructional competence and the final assessment of competence.
Assessment
Learning
Instruction
Instruction
Competence
BRING EXPERIENCE.
PREPARE TO TEACH.
Applicants must meet Part-FCL experience requirements and successfully complete a specific pre-entry flight test within the six months preceding the start of the FI(A) course.
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have received at least 10 hours of instrument flight instruction, with no more than 5 hours in an FSTD
- Have completed at least 20 hours of VFR cross-country flight as PIC
- Hold at least a CPL(A); or hold a PPL(A) with the applicable CPL theoretical knowledge requirement
- PPL(A) applicants: at least 200 hours on aeroplanes or TMGs, including 150 hours as PIC
- At least 30 hours on single-engine piston aeroplanes, including 5 hours within the 6 months before the pre-entry assessment
- One VFR PIC cross-country of at least 540 km / 300 NM with full-stop landings at 2 different aerodromes
- Pass the FI(A) pre-entry flight test within 6 months before starting the course
LEARN HOW
TO MAKE OTHERS LEARN
The FI(A) course is not simply a review of technical subjects. It develops the ability to structure lessons, communicate effectively, assess student performance and adapt teaching methods to individual learning needs.
- Learning and teaching principles
- Lesson planning and preparation
- Presentation techniques
- Student motivation and learning barriers
- Assessment and progress monitoring
- Student error identification and correction
- Briefing and debriefing techniques
- Threat and error management
- Safety awareness and instructional supervision
- Ground-school teaching practice
DEMONSTRATE.
OBSERVE. CORRECT.
The practical FI(A) phase teaches the applicant how to demonstrate exercises accurately, observe the student’s performance, identify errors and provide timely corrective instruction while maintaining safe aircraft operation.
- Minimum 30 hours of FI(A) flight instruction
- At least 25 hours must be dual flight instruction
- Up to 5 hours of the dual requirement may be completed in an approved FFS, FNPT I/II or FTD 2/3
- The remaining 5 hours may include mutual flying between FI course applicants
- Pre-flight briefing and lesson preparation
- Demonstration of PPL-level air exercises
- Recognition and correction of common student errors
- In-flight teaching, supervision and intervention techniques
- Post-flight debriefing and student-performance assessment
BEGIN TEACHING.
EXPAND WITH EXPERIENCE.
The FI(A) certificate provides a broad foundation for flight instruction. Initial privileges are subject to supervision restrictions, and additional instructional privileges become available as the instructor gains experience and meets the relevant Part-FCL requirements.
- Instruction for PPL(A) and LAPL(A)
- Instruction for applicable single-pilot class and type ratings subject to Part-FCL conditions
- Night-rating instruction when the additional requirements are met
- CPL(A) instruction after completing the required instructional experience
- IR/BIR instruction after meeting the applicable IRI-related requirements
- Additional instructor privileges may be added as experience and qualifications increase
BUILD YOUR
INSTRUCTOR CAREER
The FI(A) certificate is the foundation of an instructor-development pathway. As experience grows, instructors may progress toward unrestricted FI privileges and additional instructional qualifications.
START UNDER
SUPERVISION.
New FI(A) certificate holders initially conduct specified instructional activities under the supervision of a nominated FI. The restriction is removed after the required instructional experience has been achieved.
FCL.910.FI — RESTRICTED PRIVILEGES100 hours flight instruction + 25 supervised student solo flightsUntil the restriction is removed, the FI conducts applicable instruction under supervision and may not authorise a student’s first solo flight or first solo cross-country flight.
FLIGHT INSTRUCTION
DEMONSTRATE WITH PRECISION.
Learn to transform your own flying skills into clear demonstrations, structured feedback and effective student development.
DON’T JUST FLY WELL.
TEACH OTHERS TO FLY WELL.
Becoming a flight instructor changes the way you think about every manoeuvre. You learn to observe from the student’s perspective, anticipate errors and create a safe environment in which skills and judgement can develop.
TEACH THE NEXT GENERATION OF PILOTS
Turn your flying experience into instructional capability. Contact our training team for eligibility assessment, course scheduling and FI(A) application information.