Flying Instructor - Career Advice - Transport and Travel

Ground Instructor
Flight Examiner

Flying instructors teach learner pilots how to safely fly a plane. This involves briefing the student, demonstrating various movements, directing the student to perform the movements and then monitoring their progress. They also evaluate when students are ready to sit their license exam. FutureGrowthModerate

Flying instructors familiarise students with the aeroplane’s controls, systems and emergency procedures, and instruct them on how to ensure that the aeroplane is airworthy. They also teach students to manoeuvre the aeroplane safely on the ground (taxiing), and how to take off and land under various wind and runway conditions.

ANZSCO ID: 231113

Alternative names: Flight Instructor,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A flying instructor needs:

good communication skills
good eyesight and hearing
leadership qualities
to enjoy working with people
the ability to handle stress and act decisively
commitment to following safety standards, and high attention to detail.

Flying Instructor at work
(Source: Professional Pilots of Tomorrow)

Duties and Tasks

Gives in-flight instruction
Supervises solo flights
Accompanies students on training flights
Demonstrates techniques for controlling aircraft
Develop instructional modules to include a broad range of topics such as operation procedures, aircraft systems, emergency procedures, navigation according to company procedures and policies.These materials are to be based on practical analysis and insights.
Prepare and provide instructional modules to enable students get certification in various flight operation categories.
Provide assistance as subject matter expert and provide other relevant supporting materials to instruct students of various levels of experience, ability and background.
Provide practical training relevant to areas covered during theory lessons.
Administer and utilize instrument pilot skill level to provide efficient flight instructions in line with established procedures and regulations.
Train students as Navigator, aircraft Operator, Loadmaster Flight Engineer or any other aircrew position on company aircraft.
Provide assistance to aircrew and provide training in various aspects of flights.
Organize and conduct cockpit familiarization classes and prepare reports on students proficiency based on established parameters.
Maintain student progress report and provide special coaching and counseling for weaker students.
Develop innovative techniques, training aids and method to improve training efficiency.
Provide expertise knowledge to instructional system designers and develop class room materials, simulator and aircraft lessons, instructor and student guides and other training materials.
Manage and utilize courseware and training media to provide training in aircraft operational procedures.
Evaluate existing training materials and instructional modes to incorporate changes and upgrade lessons to meet future requirements.

Working Conditions

Flying instructors teach their students in both a classroom setting, and also in the air. They must conduct lessons in a variety of weather conditions. Whilst in the air, conditions may be cramped and turbulent.

Flying instructors may have to work at dawn, dusk and at night in order to prepare students for various flying circumstances, and may be required to work weekends.

Tools and technologies

Flying instructors mainly use dual-controlled crafts for teaching, and will sometimes use flight simulators and flight training devices. They use computers to create lesson plans and assessments, to review students’ records and to organise their flying schedule. They are usually responsible for regularly checking the airworthiness of the aircraft, and must have strong knowledge of aircraft maintenance.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a flying instructor you must first successfully complete an Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Commercial Pilot Licence and obtain a Grade 3 Flight Instructor Rating.

The Grade 3 Flight Instructor Rating course usually takes six to eight weeks to complete. With this qualification you are able to teach basic training and navigation. Upon reaching 100 hours of flight instruction, you reach Grade 2 instructor level, and are able to send students solo, and to teach at night. Grade 1 instructors are the most experienced and are qualified in all phases of flight instruction.

You must also obtain a Night Visual Flight Rules Rating and/or a Command Instrument Rating, and possess a current CASA Class 1 medical certificate.

Did You Know?

When can I start learning to fly?

There is no limitation on when you can start learning to fly when accompanied by a flight instructor, but you must be at least 15 to fly solo.

Do I need a licence to fly as a student pilot?

You don't need a licence to fly as a student pilot because you are under the supervision of a flight instructor and your flying school at all times while you are learning, including when you are flying solo.

However, to fly solo you need to have an aviation reference number (ARN), which you can obtain from CASA, and you need to provide CASA with proof of your identity. There is no fee for this service and you should receive your ARN within one week of submitting an application.

To fly solo, you also need to hold a medical certificate.
(Source: CASA)

ANZSCO ID: 231113

Alternative names: Aviation Ground Training Instructor, Theoretical Aviation Knowledge Instructor, FutureGrowthModerate

Specialisations: Commercial Pilot, Helicopter, Agricultural Pilot, Private Pilot Licence,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Project management skills with a demonstrated ability to deliver programs and projects on time under minimal supervision
Proven ability to research, build, implement and write aviation training packages
Previous experience using a LMS
A strong knowledge of adult learning principles
In-depth knowledge of aviation, preferably holding an ATPL (CPL minimum)
In-depth knowledge of pilot training, preferably holding a Flight Instructor Rating
Have a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
Intermediate user of Microsoft Excel and Word
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Professional behaviour and presentation

Student Tutorial
(Source: Par-Avion)

Duties and Tasks

To provide students with theory knowledge and skills required for employment as a professional pilot.
Instructing and supervising students, planning and reviewing assignments, performing student evaluations in classroom settings
Observing and testing knowledge, skills and procedures, and play a primary role in assisting the students to understand the theory component of aviation training
Assist in tutoring students to prepare for tests/examinations, monitor testing and student progress
Give practical ground instruction of all courses as required, in order to meet with the timely completion of the Ground Theory Program
Assist in developing and improving current and future Training Courses
Ensure that the theoretical training and non-flying development programs are conducted in accordance with the CASA Day VFR Syllabus, Civil Aviation Regulations and all other applicable rules/regulations
Ensure that all ground training components of the flying training conducted within your area of responsibility meets/exceeds the standards required by CASA
Undertake planning, provisioning and management of all aspects of ground training and non-flying development programs

Working conditions

Physically and mentally demanding work environment with a high degree of confidentiality. Knowledge and use of computers for weather briefs, email correspondence, and other information is important. During a typical shift, the Ground Instructor may rotate between teaching ground, conducting flight sessions, conducting aerial tours, and facility/aircraft maintenance. Shifts usually are assigned in an effort to minimize long hours and each GI are assigned one 24-hour period off, but the GI must be flexible when necessary to meet customer demands. Weekends, from Friday evenings through Sunday afternoons, are extremely busy times. All GI’s must be available for weekend shifts. All staff meetings are mandatory to discuss student progress and their progression to the Flying Instructor.

Education and training/entrance requirements

Associates/Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Aviation, Management, Education or related field or Certificate IV in Training and Assessment along with experience in flying.

(Source: Par-Avion)

A day with our Ground Instructor | Asia Aeronautical Training Academy - Malaysia
https://youtu.be/3ybLhQkdVt8

Flight examiners determine whether people learning to fly airplanes and helicopters are granted pilot licences, ratings and/or endorsements. They must have extensive experience as a pilot and flying instructor before training as a flight examiner.

They conduct assessments in line with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) Flight Examiner Handbook to ensure student pilots meet the requirements of the grade of licence, rating or endorsement being sought. Flight examiners support continuous improvement by engaging with flight schools to discuss widespread training issues.

ANZSCO ID: 231199

Alternative names: Aviation Examiner, General Aviation Flight Examiner, Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A keen desire to see high professional aviation standards maintained.
Appropriate flight crew licences and ratings.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Excellent organisational and planning skills.
The ability to be able to travel extensively nationally.
A positive, flexible and collegial approach to customer services.

(Source: Australian Flight Examiners)

Duties and Tasks

You are expected to evaluate someone you’ve never met on one of the most stressful days of his or her life while sitting in a tiny airborne moving vehicle just inches away from flight controls that you are not expected to touch until it appears that your vaporization is imminent. Not only must the examiner evaluate the applicant, he or she must also play psychologist and help this person relax. At least that’s what some of the very best examiners do.

Most examiners were (or still are) active flight instructors. During the examination process, however, examiners are not allowed to do what comes naturally to them—teach! They are allowed only to examine.

Manages, conducts, and assesses biennial competency flight tests
Manages, conducts, and assesses flight tests
Conducts flight tests, aircraft checks and simulator fidelity inspections as required.
Generate and maintain student records
Conduct Type Rating Flight Tests (Skills tests)
Conduct Operational and Instrument Rating Proficiency Checks

Working conditions

Flight examiners conduct flight assessments both in classroom/office settings and in the air. Whilst in the air, conditions may be cramped, noisy and turbulent.
Flight examiners may work during the day and evening, and under different weather conditions, to assess trainee pilots under various flying circumstances. They may also be required to work weekends.

Examiner at work
(Source: Seek)

Tools and technologies

Flight examiners mainly use dual-controlled aircraft during flight testing. Flight examiners use CASA testing forms to determine whether trainee pilots demonstrate sufficient competency to pass. Flight examiners use computers to develop assessment tools, organise their examination schedules and update flight test management systems regarding test outcomes.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a flight examiner, you must first hold a Flight Instructor Rating from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for the grade(s) of flight examiner endorsement(s) you are seeking. You then need to gain a Flight Examiner Rating from CASA, with flight examiner endorsement for one or more endorsement grades. Examples of endorsement grades are the commercial pilot licence flight test endorsement and the night vision imaging system rating flight test endorsement.

To obtain a Flight Examiner Rating or additional flight examiner endorsements (where you already hold a Flight Examiner Rating) you must meet CASA’s experience requirements, hold a current CASA Class 1 medical certificate and complete the CASA Flight Examiner Rating Course (FERC) for a minimum of one endorsement grade. To apply for the FERC, you must have successfully completed a flight instructor rating proficiency check within the previous 24 months.

The FERC consists of five phases, including e-learning modules, a one-day face-to-face classroom session, practical flight testing competency development, an interview and a flight test. Each phase must be successfully completed to progress to the next phase.

Employment Opportunities

To work as a flight examiner in Australia, you will need to hold a Flight Examiner Rating from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Helicopter Simulation
(Source: ACE Training)