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Cessna 152 work horse of most flying clubs (left) |
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Spinning and aerobatics in a Robin 2160i (left) |
PA28 Warriors are also flying club favourites for training (right) |
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ME flying maybe conducted on the DA42 Twin Star (right) |
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Introduction
FE training courses are available for the UK CAA and Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] licence holders including FCL.900(c) certificate holders. Other licence holders must contact their National Aviation Authority (NAA) to ensure they will accept this training course before booking.
If required Operator Proficiency Check (OPC)[UK CAA only], IMC Rating/IR(Restricted)[UK CAA only], ME and Seaplane examiner privileges can be added. The assessment of competence is conducted by a UK CAA FOTI/senior examiner or Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] Inspector/senior examiner as applicable at a mutually acceptable location
All applicants considering becoming an FE shall apply to the UK CAA or Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] in the first instance. If the applicant's qualifications meet the Part FCL requirements then they will receive notification enabling them to complete the FE course
The applicant will be assessed throughout the training course prior to taking the assessment of competence
Aims
The aims of FE course are:
(a) To ensure that the applicant has the skill and potential to become a FE on SE aeroplanes
(b) To describe the FE requirements, responsibilities and revalidation requirements
(c) To explain the principles of standard examiner techniques
(d) To add ME privileges (if applicable)
(e) To add Seaplane privileges (if applicable)
(f) To add OPC privileges (if applicable) [UK CAA only]
(g) To add IMC Rating privileges (if applicable) [UK CAA only]
Objectives
The applicant must be able to:
(a) Demonstrate a pre-flight and post flight briefing to include facilitative skills
(b) Demonstrate how to conduct a flight test and ground examination
(c) State the privileges of the FE
(d) Describe examiner revalidation and renewal requirements
(e) Explain the how to complete the flight test documentation and administration
(f) Correctly assess the applicant's performance including technical and non-technical skills
Pre-Entry Requirements
(a) hold the relevant instructor certificate, as applicable to the examiner certificate sought
(b) to examine for the LAPL(A) have completed 500 hours of flight time as pilot of aeroplanes or TMG including at least 100 hours of flight instruction (Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] only)
(c) to examine for the PPL(A) have completed 1000 hours of flight time as pilot of aeroplanes or TMG including at least 250 hours of flight instruction
In addition, the following material should be studied prior to starting the course:
Part FCL, ARA and ORA including associated AMC, GM and Appendices
UK CAA Flight Examiners Handbook
EASA Flight Examiner Manual
Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] - examiner.dk webpage
UK CAA Standards Documents 14, 19, 21, 25
UK CAA CAP 804
UK CAA - Information Notice, Skywise, Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC)
Part CAT, NCC, NCO, SPO and SPA including associated AMC and GM and Company Operation Manual Part D (if OPC privileges required)
Training
Complete a training course at an ATO. The following course durations are a guide only and are dependent on your personal pre-course preparation
FE SE privileges - 4 days
FE SE + IMC Rating privileges - 5 days
FE SE / ME privileges - 4 days
FE SE / ME + IMC Rating privileges - 5 days
To add privileges to an FE:
ME - 2 days
Seaplane - 2 days
OPC - 1 day
IMC Rating - 2 days
Examiner Core Knowledge
Part FCL.1015 Course requirements and course program
Examiner Certificates, Privileges and Conditions
Part-FCL Subpart K
UK CAA Flight Examiner Handbook
EASA Flight Examiner Manual
National Requirements/Part NCO/SERA
UK CAA Air Navigation Order (ANO)
Part NCO
SERA.5005 and 5015/UK CAA ORS 4 Exemptions
Examiner Standardisation
Part FCL AMC2 FCL.1015
UK CAA Standards Documents (as appropriate)
Examiner Common Errors
Assessment and Debriefing
Part FCL AMC2 FCL.1010
Fundamentals of Assessment Errors
Use of Facilitation in Debriefs
Threat and Error Management
Testing Emergency and Abnormal Procedures
Safety Tips/Hazards
Flight Test Documentation and Administration
Flight Test Booking
Test/UK CAA Fees/Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] Fees
Liability
Data Protection
UK CAA CAP 793 Use of Unlicensed Airfields for testing
UK CAA Documents
Day 1
Health and Safety Briefing
Plan for the course
Course study materials
Course pre-requisites and candidate documentation validation
Examiner authorisations and requirements
# Appointments
# Validity
# Standardisation
# Who may test whom?
# Authorisation restrictions
Basic examining techniques and the role of the examiner
UK CAA Flight Examiners Handbook
EASA Flight Examiner Maual
Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] - examiner.dk webpage
UK CAA Standards Documents 14, 19, 21, 25
UK CAA CAP 393
UK CAA ANO
SERA
Part FCL, ORA and ARA including associated AMC, GM and Appendices
UK CAA - Information Notice, Skywise
Review of examiner core knowledge (Quiz)
Flight test documentation and administration
# Flight crew licence - checking and making entries
# Pilot logbook - checking and recording of flight time
# Medical certificate
# Identification
# Approved course completion certificates
# PPL(A)/LAPL(A) skill test report forms and examiner’s record
# Class and type rating test/check report forms and examiner’s record
# Notification of failure form
# Insurance
# Personal data protection
# Appeals against conduct of flight tests
# Second or subsequent series failure report form
PPL(A)/LAPL(A) skill test
# Purpose of test
# Test schedule, profile and format
# Test tolerances
# Test standard
# Planning for the test
# Route selection
# Separate flights for navigation
# Oral examination
Class/type rating skill test and proficiency check
# Revalidation and renewal requirements
# Test/check schedules
# Oral examination
# Administration of forms, licence and logbook
Examiner briefing format and techniques
# Initial briefing
# Planning
# Main briefing
# Use of aide memoire
Sample briefing by tutor
Practice briefing by FE applicant - review
Conduct of flight exercises
# Examiner conduct - acting as passenger, keeping notes, directing the sequence of events, intervention, briefing, lookout
# Handling of simulated emergencies and abnormal procedures - scenario, realism, safety
# Termination of flight test
# Repeat manoeuvres
# Use of GPS, autopilot, flight director (where fitted)
# Tests/checks in aircraft with:
Single Power Lever Control (SPLC)
Integrated instrument/avionics displays
Electronic Flight Instruments System (EFIS)
Traffic Information Service (TIS)
Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)
Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS)
Day 2
Review of previous day's training
Assessment
# In flight recording
# Termination of flight test
# Repeat manoeuvres
# Partial pass
# Incomplete tests
# Appeals against conduct of flight tests (Regulation 6)
Actions after flight
# Assessing performance against requirements
# Identifying, assessing and debriefing CRM and TEM
# De-briefing techniques, technical errors, non-technical errors, facilitation
# Failure of test - privileges affected
# Re-test requirements
# Re-training - recommended versus mandatory
# Completion of test report forms and/or licence / log book entries
# Statistical records
Sample de-briefing by tutor
Practice de-briefing by FE applicant – review
Practice class/type rating skill test - applicant acting as examiner
Day 3
Review of previous day's training
Practice PPL(A)/LAPL(A) skill test - applicant acting as examiner
Conduct of EASA tests and checks
# FCL.1000(c)
# EASA Examiner Differences Document
Arrangements for the conduct of tests
# Booking and arranging tests
# Use of aeroplanes - equipment, documents, maintenance, serving, insurance, DFT approval
# Use of aerodromes - licence and unlicensed
# Planning and briefing facilities
# Test fees
# Delays, rescheduling, rebooking
Review of training course
Briefing on the format of the FE assessment of competence - SE privileges
# Role of applicant and UK CAA FOTI/senior examiner or Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] inspector/senior examiner as applicable
Day 4/5 (if Multi-Engine or IMC Rating/IR(Restricted) examiner privileges required)
| Multi-Engine privileges | IMC Rating privileges [UK CAA only] | |
Introduction and plan for course ME examining techniques in the air ME class/type rating skill test and proficiency check Flight test documentation and administration for ME tests Review of examiner core course Practice ME skill test – applicant acting as examiner Review of training course Briefing on the format of the assessment of competence - ME privileges |
Examining techniques in the air IMC Rating skill test and proficiency check Flight test documentation and administration for IMC Rating/IR(Restricted) tests Review of examiner core course Practice IMC Rating skill test – applicant acting as examiner Review of training course Briefing on the format of the FE assessment of competence - IMC Rating/IR(Restricted) privileges |
Day 6 OPC privileges (UK CAA only)
Introduction and plan for course
# Company Operations Manual Part D
# Part CAT, NCC, NCO, SPO and SPA including associated AMC and GM
# Demonstration of knowledge (Question and Answer)
# CRMI training - assessment of non-technical skills and facilitation debriefing techniques
Practice OPC (VFR) by FE applicant with tutor acting as test candidate – review
Final comment and recommendation for assessment of competence
Briefing on the format of the assessment of competence
# Role of applicant and UK CAA FOTI or senior examiner
FE Assessment of Competence
On successful completion of the training a recommendation will be made for the candidate to complete the assessment of competence. This must be carried out within 6 months of completion of the training. Failure to do so will result in the need for extra training
.
The candidate will be required to conduct a PPL(A)/LAPL(A) skill test with a UK CAA FOTI/senior examiner or Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] inspector/senior examiner as applicable acting as the test candidate. The skill test schedule is given below
Candidates wishing both SE and ME privileges will be required to conduct a class/type rating skill test in the complex aeroplane, normally the ME aeroplane
Candidates adding ME privileges to an FE certificate will only be required to conduct a ME class/type rating skill test
UK CAA only. Candidates adding IMC Rating privileges to an FE certificate will only be required to conduct a IMC Rating/IR(Restricted) skill test
UK CAA only. Where OPC privileges are sought an additional assessment of competence will be conducted as an observed OPC in accordance with the Company Operations Manual Part D. Candidates seeking privileges to conduct OPC will also be required to demonstrate skills as a CRMI
PPL(A) Skill Test Schedule
Note: Use of checklist, airmanship, control of aeroplane or TMG by external visual reference, anti-icing procedures, etc. apply in all sections
Section 1 Pre-Flight Operations and Departure
Pre-flight documentation, NOTAM and weather briefing, electronic flight planning applications
Mass and balance and performance calculation
Aeroplane inspection and servicing
Engine starting and after starting procedures
Taxiing and aerodrome procedures, pre-take-off procedures
Take-off and after take-off checks
Aerodrome departure procedures
ATC liaison - compliance, R/T procedures
Section 2 General Airwork
ATC liaison - compliance, R/T procedures
Straight and level flight, with speed changes
Climbing:
(i) best rate of climb
(ii) climbing turns
(iii) levelling off
Medium (30° bank) turns, lookout procedure and collision avoidance
Steep (45° bank) turns (including recognition and recovery from a spiral dive)
Flight at critically low air speed with and without flaps
Stalling:
(i) clean stall and recover with power
(ii) approach to stall descending turn with bank angle 20°, approach configuration
(iii) approach to stall in landing configuration
Descending:
(i) with and without power
(ii) descending turns (steep gliding turns)
(iii) levelling off
Section 3 En-Route Procedures
Flight plan, dead reckoning and map reading
Maintenance of altitude, heading and speed
Orientation, timing and revision of ETAs and log keeping
Diversion to alternate aerodrome (planning and implementation)
Use of radio navigation aids
Basic instrument flying check (180° turn in simulated IMC)
Flight management (checks, fuel systems and carburettor icing, etc)
Moving map displays
ATC compliance and R/T procedures
Section 4 Approach and Landing Procedures
Aerodrome arrival procedures
*Precision landing (short field landing), crosswind, if suitable conditions available
*Flapless landing
*Approach to landing with idle power (SE only)
Touch and go
Go-around from low height
ATC compliance and R/T procedures
Actions after flight
(* These items may be combined at the discretion of the examiner)
Section 5 Abnormal and Emergency Procedures
(This section may be combined with sections 1 through 4)
Simulated engine failure after take-off (at a safe altitude), fire drill (SE only)
*Forced landing(simulated) (SE only)
Simulated precautionary landing (SE only)
Simulated emergencies
Oral questions
(* These items may be combined at the discretion of the examiner)
Section 6 Simulated Asymmetric Flight and Relevant Class or Type Items
(This section may be combined with sections 1 through 5)
Simulated engine failure during take-off (at a safe altitude unless carried out in an FFS)
Asymmetric approach and go-around
Asymmetric approach and full stop landing
Engine shutdown and restart
ATC compliance, R/T procedures or airmanship
As determined by the FE - any relevant items of the class or type rating skill test to include, if applicable:
(i) aeroplane systems including handling of auto pilot
(ii) operation of pressurisation system
(iii) use of de-icing and anti-icing system
Oral questions
Note: If the test completed in 2 parts then Section 1 and items a, b and h of Section 4 (Aerodrome arrival procedures, Precision landing (short field landing) and crosswind, if suitable conditions available, Actions after flight) shall be assessed on both flights
LAPL(A) Skill Test Schedule (EASA only)
Use of checklist, airmanship, control of aeroplane or TMG by external visual reference, anti-icing procedures, etc. apply in all sections
Section 1 Pre-Flight Operations and Departure
Pre-flight documentation, NOTAM and weather briefing
Mass and balance and performance calculation
Aeroplane or TMG inspection and servicing
Engine starting and after starting procedures
Taxiing and aerodrome procedures, pre-take-off procedures
Take-off and after take-off checks
Aerodrome departure procedures
ATC liaison - compliance
Section 2 General Airwork
ATC liaison
Straight and level flight, with speed changes
Climbing:
(i) best rate of climb
(ii) climbing turns
(iii) levelling off
Medium (30° bank) turns, look-out procedures and collision avoidance
Steep (45° bank) turns (including recognitionand recovery from a spiral dive)
Flight at critically low air speed with and without flaps
Stalling:
(i) clean stall and recover with power
(ii) approach to stall descending turn with bank angle 20°, approach configuration
(iii) approach to stall in landing configuration
Descending:
(i) with and without power
(ii) descending turns (steep gliding turns)
(iii) levelling off
Section 3 En-Route Procedures
Flight plan, dead reckoning and map reading
Maintenance of altitude, heading and speed
Orientation, airspace structure, timing and revision of ETAs, log keeping
Diversion to alternate aerodrome (planning and implementation)
Flight management (checks, fuel systems, carburettor icing, etc)
ATC liaison - compliance
Section 4 Approach and Landing Procedures
Aerodrome arrival procedures
Collision avoidance (look-out procedures)
Precision landing (short field landing) and crosswind, if suitable conditions available
Flapless landing
Approach to landing with idle power
Touch and go
Go-around from low height
ATC liaison - compliance
Actions after flight
Section 5 Abnormal and Emergency Procedures
(This section may be combined with Sections 1 through 4)
Simulated engine failure after take-off
*Simulated forced landing
*Simulated precautionary landing
Simulated emergencies
Oral questions
(* These items may be combined, at the discretion of the examiner)
Note: If the test completed in 2 parts then Section 1 and items a, c and h of Section 4 (Aerodrome arrival procedures, Precision landing (short field landing) and crosswind, if suitable conditions available, Actions after flight) shall be assessed on both flights
Validity
36 months
Revalidation
(a) Conduct 6 skill tests/proficiency checks/assessments of competence within the validity of the certificate (see note 1)
(b) Conduct 1 skill test/proficiency check/assessment from in the final year as an observed or dummy test with a UK CAA FOTI/senior examiner or Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] Inspector/senior examiner as applicable
(c) Attend an examiner refresher course (seminar) in the final year of validity of the certificate (see note 2)
Notes:
1.
When an examiner holds more than one examiner certificate, combined revalidation of all examiner privileges may be achieved when the applicant complies with the requirements of (a), (b) and (c). However, the Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] requires the Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] examiner to have conducted 6 tests/checks/assessments per examiner privilege held (e.g. 6 as a TRE, 6 as a CRE, etc). If this requirement is not met, the examiner privilege will be removed, unless the observed test is performed for that specific privilege
2. The examiner refresher course (seminar) must be approved by the UK CAA or Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] to be accepted
Renewal
(a) Complete a skill test/proficiency check/assessment of competence as an observed or dummy test with a UK CAA FOTI/senior examiner or Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] Inspector/senior examiner as applicable (see note 2)
(b) Attend an examiner refresher course (seminar) (see note 1)
Both (a) and (b) shall be completed within 12 months prior to application to renew
Notes:
1.
The examiner refresher course (seminar) must be approved by the UK CAA or Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] to be accepted
2. This item shall be completed last for the Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] in accordance with FCL.1030(ii). This is not the case for the UK CAA
FCL.1030
When conducting skill tests, proficiency checks and assessments of competence, examiners shall:
(i) ensure that communication with the applicant can be established without language barriers
(ii) verify that the applicant complies with all the qualification, training and experience requirements in Part FCL for the issue, revalidation or renewal of the licence, rating or certificate for which the skill test, proficiency check or assessment of competence is taken
(iii) make the applicant aware of the consequences of providing incomplete, inaccurate or false information related to their training and flight experience
Privileges (as applicable)
Conduct skill tests for the issue of a PPL(A)/LAPL(A)
Conduct proficiency checks for the LAPL(A)
Conduct skill tests for the issue of class ratings and SP type ratings (except for SP HPCA type ratings)
Conduct proficiency checks for revalidation and renewal of class ratings and SP type ratings (except for SP HPCA type ratings)
Sign certificates in respect of class ratings and SP type ratings for revalidation or renewal
Conduct OPC (when training and the assessment of competence includes OPC)
Conduct IMC Rating skill tests and proficiency checks (when training and the assessment of competence includes IMC Rating)
References
UK CAA Standards Documents 14, 19, 21, 25
UK CAA Flight Examiners Handbook
EASA Flight Examiner Manual
Danish CAA [Trafikstyrelsen] - examiner.dk webpage
UK CAA CAP 393
UK CAA Air Navigation Order (ANO)
UK CAA CAP 804
SERA
Part FCL, ORA and ARA including associated AMC, GM and Appendices
Examiner Manual (Part FCL edition) by Alan Newton