On-Track Aviation

UK | EASA | FI / CRI Aerobatic Instruction


Pitts	Yak 52	Pitts

General

An FI or CRI who wishes to give aerobatic instruction must hold an aerobatic rating (see note) and have demonstrated the ability to teach for the aerobatic rating to an instructor holding FCL.905.FI(j) [FIC instructor] and FCL.905.FI(g) [Aerobatic instructor] privileges

Note: The holder of a United Kingdom national licence or NPPL(A) first issued before 30 September 2025 does not require to hold an aerobatic rating to undertake aerobatic flights [ANO Schedule 8 Part 2 Chapter 2]

Definition of Aerobatics

UK Air Navigation Order
Aerobatic manoeuvres includes loops, spins, rolls, bunts, stall turns, inverted flying and any other similar manoeuvre intentionally performed by an aircraft

Part FCL
Aerobatic flight means an intentional manoeuvre involving an abrupt change in an aircraft’s attitude, an abnormal attitude, or abnormal acceleration, not necessary for normal flight or for instruction for licences, certificates, or ratings other than the aerobatic rating

Spinning Restrictions

Holders of a Part FCL pilot licence do not need to hold an aerobatic rating if spinning instruction is required for a certificate, rating or licence e.g. on FI training course, UPRT course, etc. However, if the licence holder is not giving spinning instruction an aerobatic rating is required

The holder of a United Kingdom national licence or NPPL(A) first issued before 30 September 2025 does not require to hold an aerobatic rating to undertake spinning in any capacity [ANO Schedule 8 Part 2 Chapter 2]

The holder of a United Kingdom national licence or NPPL(A) first issued after 30 September 2025 does require to hold an aerobatic rating to undertake spinning even whilst teaching e.g. FI training course, etc [ANO Schedule 8 Part 2 Chapter 2]

Pre-Assessment Requirements

Before carrying out the aerobatic instructional assessment the applicant shall:

(a) hold at least the licence and the rating for which flight instruction is to be given

(b) be entitled to act as PIC on the aircraft during flight instruction

(b) hold an aerobatic rating (see note)

(e) hold an FI or CRI certificate

Training

There are no formal ground of flight training requirements prior to taking the aerobatic instructional assessment

However, On-Track Aviation would recommend that the FI or CRI completes a short course of tuition covering the elements of the aerobatic rating. It is recommended that 8 hours of ground tuition and 5 hours flight training are completed prior to the assessment flight

Aerobatic Instructional Assessment

The applicant will be required to conduct a pre-flight briefing and airborne lesson chosen from the syllabus of the aerobatic rating. The applicant will be assessed by an instructor holding FCL.905.FI(j) [FIC instructor] and FCL.905.FI(g) [Aerobatic instructor] privileges. The flight should last approximately 1 hour

References

Aerobatic Rating - FCL.800, AMC and GM
AOPA (UK) / BAeA Aerobatic Courses
Basic Aerobatics by R D Campbell and B Tempest
Conquest of Lines and Symmetry by Duane Cole
General Aviation Safety Sense Leaflet No.19 Aerobatics
Instructor Manual (Part FCL edition)
UK Air Navigation Order

Privileges

Permits the holder of an FI or CRI certificate to give instruction in aerobatics including for the issue of the aerobatic rating

Validity

Remains valid so long as the FI or CRI certificate remains valid

Revalidation / Renewal

There are no renewal / revalidation requirements