From 1 April 2026 a charge will be payable for the administration and review of training documentation for Recognition of Firearms and Explosives (RFX) courses. Details of these charges are set out in the 2026/27 CAA Aviation Security Scheme of Charges.
Overview
Prospective training providers who wish to deliver Recognition of Firearms and Explosives (RFX) Instructor courses are required to make an application to the CAA to support initial checks around suitability and a review of training materials.
General information on RFX Instructor Courses can also be found at: Recognition of firearms and explosives instructors (RFX) course
Application charge
The application charge for initial approval and reapproval of RFX Instructor courses are set out in the CAA Aviation Security Scheme of Charges.
- Reviewing your application and supporting evidence
- Any follow up questions or clarification required to accurately assess your application
- On site observation of a pilot course at the training facility the provider intends to use
- A post visit report and recommendation to the Department for Transport (DfT) on whether the application should be approved or not, and any conditions associated with the approval
- Communication of the outcome of the application by either issuing an approval letter or providing remedial advice and arranging a second visit if required.
- Reapproval of the course (if applicable) including an on site observation.
How to apply?
You will need to:
- Submit the relevant application form (SRG1737) and pay the appropriate fee.
- Once your application and payment have been received you will be contacted to arrange for the relevant supporting documentation to us securely.
Next Steps
Once your application has been received and payment has been made:
- You will receive an email confirmation that your application has been submitted to the relevant team for processing
- Your initial application will be reviewed, and you will be contacted to arrange for your supporting documentation to be securely sent to us
- If training materials meet the required standard a CAA visit will be arranged to observe a pilot course at the training facility the provider intends to use and will cover the entire course – usually 2 days (or 1 day for a reapproval)
- A post visit report will be provided, along with a recommendation to the DfT on whether or not the training provider should be approved, and any conditions associated with the approval (e.g. minor adjustment of some elements)
- Once approval /decline is received from DfT, CAA will communicate the outcome to the applicant by either issuing the approval letter or providing remedial advice, with the option to arrange a second visit if required.