The privileges of an Synthetic Flight Instructor (SFI)) certificate for multi-pilot aeroplanes (MPA) allows the instructor to carry out instruction for:
- The revalidation and renewal of an IR, provided that the applicant holds or has held an IR in the relevant aircraft category.
- The issue of an IR, provided that the applicant holds or has held an IR in the relevant aircraft category and have completed an IRI training course.
- The issue, revalidation and renewal of type ratings for multi-pilot aeroplanes and single-pilot high performance complex aeroplanes when the applicant seeks privileges to operate in multi-pilot operation.
- Multi Crew Cooperation (MCC) training course.
- The Multi Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) course on the basic, intermediate and advanced phases. (For the basic phase, the applicant must hold or has held an FI(A) or IRI(A) certificate)
The privileges of an Synthetic Flight Instructor (SFI) certificate for single-pilot high performance complex aeroplanes (SPHPCA) allows the instructor to carry out instruction for:
- The revalidation and renewal of an IR, provided that the applicant holds or has held an IR in the relevant aircraft category.
- The issue of an IR, provided that the applicant holds or has held an IR in the relevant aircraft category and have completed an IRI training course.
- The issue, revalidation and renewal of type ratings for single-pilot high performance complex aeroplanes in single-pilot operations.
- The issue, revalidation and renewal of type ratings for single-pilot high performance complex aeroplanes type ratings in multi-pilot operations provided that the SFI meets either of the following conditions:
(i) holds or has held a TRI certificate for multi-pilot aeroplanes
(ii) has at least 500 hours on aeroplanes in multi-pilot operations and completed an MCCI training course in accordance with point FCL.930.MCCI - The MCC and MPL training course on the basic phase, provided that the privileges of the SFI (SPA) certificate has been extended to multi-pilot operations
The privileges of an Synthetic Flight Instructor (SFI) certificate for helicopters allows the instructor to carry out instruction for:
- The revalidation and renewal of an IR, provided that the applicant holds or has held an IR in the relevant aircraft category.
- The issue of an IR, provided that the applicant holds or has held an IR in the relevant aircraft category and have completed an IRI training course.
- The issue, revalidation and renewal of helicopter type ratings.
- MCC training provided the SFI has privileges to instruct for multi-pilot helicopter.
How do I apply?
You can apply for the initial issue, revalidation, renewal or variation of an Synthetic Flight Instructor (SFI) certificate using our online application form SRG2159.
How much does it cost?
The fees for an Synthetic Flight Instructor (SFI) rating as per our current Scheme of Charges, are as follows:
- SFI Issue £162
- SFI Revalidation/Renewal £119
- SFI Variation to add an additional type £162
- SFI Variation to extend privileges £119
The fees are stated in our Scheme of Charges.
See 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 Part-FCL licence/Licensing Certificate.
- A copy of the Assessment of Competence (AoC) Examiners Report form (SRG2199/SRG1177), if an AoC was completed.
- Instructor Training Course Completion Certificate (CAA5018 or ATO equivalent).
- If applying for a variation, evidence of the necessary additional training required.
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 a Synthetic Flight Instructor (SFI) certificate. Refer to the following sections:
General Instructor guidance
- FCL900 - Instructor certificates
- FCL915 – General prerequisites and requirements for instructors
- FCL920 – Instructor competencies and assessment
- FCL930 – Training course
- FCL935 – Assessment of competence
- FCL940 – validity of instructor certificates
- FCL.905.SFI – Privileges and conditions
- FCL.910.SFI – Restricted privileges
- FCL.915.SFI – Prerequisites
- FCL.930.SFI – Training Course
- FCL.940.SFI – 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.
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.
See 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?
How long is it valid for?
A Synthetic Flight Instructor (SFI) 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 SFI rating when completed within the revalidation period.