The privileges of an FI is to conduct flight instruction for the issue, revalidation or renewal of:
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a PPL, LAPL and NPPL in the appropriate aircraft category;
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class and type ratings for single-pilot aircraft, except for single-pilot high-performance complex aeroplanes;
Further privileges can be granted after meeting additional requirements. These include:
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class and type ratings for single-pilot aeroplanes, except for single-pilot high-performance complex aeroplanes, in multi-pilot operations;
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type ratings for single or multi-pilot airships;
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a CPL in the appropriate aircraft category;
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the night rating;
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a towing or aerobatic rating;
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an EIR or IR in the appropriate aircraft category;
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an IMC in the appropriate aircraft category;
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single-pilot multi-engine class or type ratings, except for single-pilot high-performance complex aeroplanes;
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an FI, an IRI, a CRI, an STI or an MI certificate;
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an MPL.
For more information on FI privileges please see FCL.905.FI
How do I apply?
You can apply for the initial issue, revalidation, renewal or variation of an FI certificate using the e-Licensing portal or online application SRG2159.
The application form will request the relevant information/document uploads based on what you are applying for.
How much does it cost?
The fees for an FI certificate are stated in our Scheme of Charges.
Refer to our secure courier service for guidance on courier charges.
What do I need to send with my application?
You will need to provide the following information with your application:
- A copy of your UK Flight Crew Licence.
- A copy of the Assessment of Competence (AoC) Examiners Report form (SRG1177), if an AoC was completed.
- Instructor Training Course Completion Certificate (CAA5018 or ATO equivalent), if applicable.
- A copy of your logbook pages showing your pre-requisite and course requirements as applicable.
For further information refer to our Guidance on documentation.
What else do I need to know?
The UK Regulations provides guidance and the requirements for the issue, revalidation, renewal and variation of an FI certificate. Refer to the following sections:
General Instructor guidance
- FCL.900 - Instructor certificates
- FCL.915 - General prerequisites and requirements for instructors
- FCL.920 - Instructor competencies and assessment
- FCL.930 - Training course
- FCL.935 - Assessment of competence
- FCL.940 - Validity of Instructor Certificates
- FCL.945 - Obligations for instructors
- FCL.905.FI - Privileges and conditions
- FCL.910.FI – Restricted privileges
- FCL.915.FI – Prerequisites
- FCL.930.FI – Training Course
- FCL.935.FI– Assessment of Competence
- FCL.940.FI – Revalidation and Renewal
Schools and training
Ensure that your training provider is approved to conduct the specific course that you are undertaking.
We advise you to check that your instructor and examiner hold the relevant privileges to conduct the training and any flight test, examination or assessment of competence that is being carried out.
Further guidance is available for Finding a UK Flight School or UK approved Examiner.
FCL.900c FI Issue
To apply for a FI certificate restricted to FCL.900c you will need to submit Application for the Verification of a Third Country ICAO Licence and/or TK examination results (SRG2142) in addition to Application for the issue, renewal, revalidation or variation of an instructor certificate Application Form (SRG2159).
How long will it take for my application to be processed?
We are currently working within the published service levels 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 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 Approved Training Organisation (ATO) or employer. We will not accept any expedite requests over the phone or directly from an applicant.
For further information refer to our guidance on processing of applications.
What happens next?
When your application arrives with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), it will undergo a desk-based assessment from a Flight Crew Licensing Officer or Assistant. Following an acceptable assessment your licence will be processed, signed, and despatched.
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. Applications will only be pended for 30 days before cancellation, where no response is received.
How long is it valid for?
An FI certificate is issued with a validity of 3 years.
Revalidations can be completed within the 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 FI certificate when completed within the revalidation period.