Flying Instructor (Helicopter) Course (FI(H)) Click here for a PDF
Should you be considering a career in aviation, an exciting and highly rewarding opportunity is to become a professional Flying instructor.  Initially you will qualify as a Flying instructor (Restricted), FI(R), and with experience progress to full Flying Instructor status (FI).

This document is intended to provide basic guidance about the FI(H).  Once you have absorbed the information please contact us to discuss the course further or to arrange an appointment.

FI(H) Entry Requirements

The minimum course requirements must be met in full and include:

  • Hold a current and valid UK CAA or JAR Pilots Licence
  • Meet the knowledge requirements for the grant of a JAA CPL(H)
  • Hold a valid JAR medical
  • Be at least 18 years of ago
  • Hold 250 hrs as pilot in command of helicopters
  • This must include:
  • 100 hrs as PIC if holder of an ATPL(H)/CPL(H) or
  • 200 hrs PIC if holder of PPL (H)
  • 10 hrs instrument flight instruction
  • 20 hrs cross country flight as PIC
  • Pass a pre-entry flight test

The Course

The FI (H) course covers all aspects of teaching.  This includes the learning process, the teaching process, teaching methods, critique and evaluation and techniques of flight instruction.

The course consists of:

Flight training
  • 30 hours of flight training
  • This must include:
  • At least 25hrs of dual instruction
  • Up to 5 hrs of mutual flying (if applicable)
Ground training
  • 125hrs Theoretical knowledge instruction
  • This must include:
  • 40hrs tuition
  • 78hrs teaching practice
  • 7hrs progress checks

Skill test

Upon completion of the course, you will be required to demonstrate to the Examine the ability to instruct a student pilot for the issue of a PPL (H).  This will include the ore-flight, post flight briefings and theoretical knowledge instruction.