The privileges of an FE for aeroplanes are to conduct:
(a)(1) skill tests for the issue of the PPL(A) and skill tests and proficiency checks for associated single-pilot class and type ratings, except for single-pilot high performance complex aeroplanes, provided that the examiner has completed at least 1000 hours of flight time as a pilot on aeroplanes or TMGs, including at least 250 hours of flight instruction.
(a)(2) skill tests for the issue of the CPL(A) and skill tests and proficiency checks for the associated single-pilot class and type ratings, except for single-pilot high performance complex aeroplanes, provided that the examiner has completed at least 2000 hours of flight time as a pilot on aeroplanes or TMGs, including at least 250 hours of flight instruction.
(a)(3) skill tests and proficiency checks for the LAPL(A), provided that the examiner has completed at least 500 hours of flight time as a pilot on aeroplanes or TMGs, including at least 100 hours of flight instruction.
(a)(4) skill tests for the issue of a mountain rating, provided that the examiner has completed at least 500 hours of flight time as a pilot on aeroplanes or TMGs, including at least 500 take-offs and landings of flight instruction for the mountain rating.
(a)(5) proficiency checks for the revalidation and renewal of EIRs, provided that the FE has completed at least 1500 hours as a pilot on aeroplanes and complies with the requirements in FCL.1010.IRE(a)(2).
The privileges of an FE for helicopters are to conduct:
(b)(1) skill tests for the issue of the PPL(H) and skill tests and proficiency checks for single-pilot single-engine helicopter type ratings entered in a PPL(H), provided that the examiner has completed 1000 hours of flight time as a pilot on helicopters, including at least 250 hours of flight instruction.
(b)(2) skill tests for the issue of the CPL(H) and skill tests and proficiency checks for single-pilot single-engine helicopter type ratings entered in a CPL(H), provided the examiner has completed 2000 hours of flight time as pilot on helicopters, including at least 250 hours of flight instruction.
(b)(3) skill tests and proficiency checks for single-pilot multi-engine helicopter type ratings entered in a PPL(H) or a CPL(H), provided the examiner has completed the requirements in (1) or (2), as applicable, and holds a CPL(H) or ATPL(H) and, when applicable, an IR(H).
(b)(4) skill tests and proficiency checks for the LAPL(H), provided that the examiner has completed at least 500 hours of flight time as a pilot on helicopters, including at least 150 hours of flight instruction.
How do I apply?
You can apply for the initial issue, revalidation, renewal or variation of FE privileges by submitting the relevant aeroplane or helicopter version of application form SRG1128: Examiner Authorisation Issue/Reissue/Variation.
How much does it cost?
The fees for FE privileges as per our current Scheme of Charges are as follows:
- FE PPL - £454
- FE CPL - £1431
- FE Variation to add IR(R)/IMC - £262 (AoC with CAA) & £60 (Application fee)
The above fees are stated in the CAA Scheme of Charges: Personnel Licensing.
Please also refer to Secure courier service for guidance on courier charges.
What do I need to send with my application?
- A copy of your UK Part-FCL Licence
- A copy of your UK Part-FCL Licensing Certificate (if held)
- Examiner Standardisation or Examiner Refresher Seminar Course Completion Certificate (CCC) issued by the ATO (submit once received)
- If applying for a variation, evidence of the necessary additional training required
For further information please refer to Guidance on documentation
What else do I need to know?
The UK Regulations provides guidance and the requirements for the issue, renewal, revalidation and variation of FE privileges. Please refer to the following sections –
- Subpart K – Examiners
- Section 1 – Common Requirements
- Section 2 – Specific requirements for Flight Examiners (FE)
Standards Document 21(A): Policy and Guidance for Examiners (Single Pilot Aircraft) - Policy and Guidance for Examiners (Single Pilot Aircraft)
Flight Examiners Handbook (A): Flight Examiners' Handbook (Aeroplanes) - Policy and Guidance for Examiners (Single Pilot Aircraft)
Flight Examiners Handbook (H) - Policy and Guidance for Helicopter Examiners
Schools and training
Please ensure that your training provider is approved to conduct the specific course that you are undertaking.
We strongly recommend you check that your instructor/examiner holds the relevant privileges to conduct the training and any flight test, examination or assessment of competence that is being carried out.
For further guidance please refer to Finding a UK Flight School or UK approved Examiner.
How long will it take for my application to be processed?
We are currently working within the published service level of 10 working days for all application types. Where an application is pended, the working days to process the application will be counted from the date of receipt of the requested additional information.
For CRE privileges the applications are processed in stages to allow for a suitable EAoC date, therefore each stage is processed within 10 working days.
For a small number of applications, a licensing officer may require additional guidance which requires a referral to be made to a technical officer. The technical officer will review the case within 5 working days, however if further advice is needed this will be reviewed at a bi-weekly complex case review session. In such cases therefore the application will take longer to process than our standard turnaround times.
If your application is urgent, you can request that we expedite it. However, we will only expedite applications in extreme circumstances. All other applications will be processed in strict date order.
Expedite requests must be submitted in writing to customerservices@caa.co.uk and must be submitted by your ATO or employer. We will not accept any expedite requests over the phone or directly from an applicant.
For further guidance please refer to our processing of applications.
What happens next?
When your application arrives with the CAA, it will undergo a desk-based assessment from a Flight Crew Licensing Officer or Assistant.
Once your application has been successfully assessed, your details will then be passed over to our Aeroplane or Helicopter Inspectors to arrange a suitable date/time for your EAoC. If a Senior Examiner is requested and approved, the ATO/DTO or Senior Examiner will receive confirmation via email.
You will be required to attend a UK approved CRE Examiner Standardisation Course (issue) or Examiner Refresher Seminar (revalidation/renewal). On successful completion of the course, please submit a copy of the CCC to the UK CAA to support your application
On successful completion of your EAoC, the CAA Inspector or Senior Examiner authorised by the UK CAA are required to submit the TS10 report (SRG1845).
For issues or renewals, the CAA Inspector or Senior Examiner may provide you with a SRG1100A temporary licensing certificate. SRG1100A will be valid for 8 weeks from the date of your EAoC to allow you to exercise the examiner privileges until you receive your PART-FCL Licensing Certificate.
Before CRE privileges can be issued, we will require evidence that all the above requirements have been met.
We will contact you via email if we have any queries regarding your application and may keep your application pending while the additional requirements are met. Please note that applications will only be pended for 30 days before cancellation, where no response is received.
How long is it valid for?
A CRE certificate is issued with a validity of 3 years.
Revalidations can be completed within the last 12 months preceding the expiry date. Therefore, the new expiry date of a further 3 years will be calculated from the current expiry date of the CRE certificate when completed within the revalidation period.