Synthetic training instructor (STI)

You can apply for the initial issue, revalidation, renewal or variation of a Synthetic Training Instructor (STI) certificate using our online application form SRG2159.

The fees for a Synthetic Training Instructor (STI) certificate as per our current Scheme of Charges, are as follows:

STI Issue/Revalidation/Renewal/Variation  £454

The fees are stated in our Scheme of Charges.

See our Secure courier service for guidance on courier charges.

You will need to provide the following information with your application:

• A copy of your UK Part-FCL licence/Licensing Certificate.
• Evidence of proficiency check
• Instructor Training Course Completion Certificate (CAA5018 or ATO equivalent).
• Evidence of the three hours of flight instruction
• If applying for a variation, evidence of the necessary additional training required.

For further information refer to our Guidance on documentation.

The UK Regulations provides guidance and the requirements for the issue, revalidation, renewal and variation of a Synthetic Training Instructor (STI) 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.STI – Privileges and conditions
• FCL.910.STI – Restricted privileges
• FCL.915.STI – Prerequisites
• FCL.930.STI – Training Course
• FCL.940.STI – 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.

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 guidance see our guidance on processing of applications.

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.

A Synthetic Training Instructor (STI) 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 STI rating when completed within the revalidation period.