FI(S) (Flight Instructor – Gliders): Authorizes the holder of SPL or LAPL(S) to provide training in accordance with the privileges recorded in SPL or LAPL(S).

FI(S) – FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR – GLIDER WITH RESTRICTION FCL.910.FI

To obtain FI(S) qualification with restriction FCL.910.FI, the applicant must meet entry requirements for training, complete the entire FI(S) training at an ATO authorized to provide FI(S) training, including the relevant theoretical instruction, required flight training, and further competency assessment with an FE(S) authorized to conduct FI(S) competency assessments.

Entry Requirements for Training

Before starting training, the applicant must:

  • Meet the age requirement (may apply for FI(S) qualification no earlier than their 18th birthday)
  • Hold SPL or LAPL(S) with GLIDER/SAILPLANE qualification
  • Meet currency requirements for GLIDER/SAILPLANE qualification
  • Have logged at least 100 hours PIC on gliders or motor gliders
  • Have logged at least 200 flights PIC on gliders or motor gliders
  • Within 6 months before starting training, complete a special pre-entry flight test in the form of a competency check (as for meeting currency requirements) with an FI(S) authorized to provide training for obtaining FI(S) qualification, who will assess the applicant’s ability to successfully complete FI(S) training

Successful completion of the pre-entry flight test to assess the applicant’s ability to successfully complete FI(S) training is recorded and confirmed by the responsible FI(S) in the applicant’s training record, logbook, and Application and Report form (see form CAA-F-161-7(a)).

Theoretical Instruction

Theoretical instruction with a minimum scope of 55 hours consists of:

  • At least 25 hours of pedagogical activity instruction (how to teach and manage self-education)
  • At least 30 hours of practical training in providing theoretical knowledge instruction for glider pilots and in providing ground preparations, post-flight debriefs, and student progress assessment

Flight Training

At an ATO, in dual control with an FI(S) authorized to provide FI(S) training, for at least 6 hours or 20 flights.

Recommendation for Competency Assessment

Before competency assessment, the ATO must issue the applicant a recommendation for FI(S) competency assessment. By issuing the recommendation, the ATO confirms that the applicant met entry requirements for training, completed the relevant theoretical instruction and required flight training course, and has appropriate theoretical knowledge and mastery of relevant flight maneuvers as an instructor. The recommendation for skill test is recorded and confirmed by the ATO in the applicant’s logbook, training documentation, and Application and Report form (see form CAA-F-161-7(a)).

Competency Assessment

By successfully completing competency assessment with an FE(S), the applicant demonstrates ability to perform as FI(S) the relevant procedures and maneuvers. During competency assessment, the applicant must also demonstrate to the FE(S) an appropriate level of theoretical knowledge and ability to provide instruction, pre-flight preparations, post-flight debriefs, and assess applicants.

Application and Report Form

After successfully completing competency assessment for obtaining FI(S) qualification, the FE(S) makes the relevant entry in the applicant’s logbook and completes and confirms the Application and Report form and delivers it through the applicant to ÚCL. Application and Report form for competency assessment for obtaining FI(S) qualification – see form CAA-F-161-7(a).

FI(S) – Restricted Privileges

The applicant always obtains FI(S) qualification with restriction FCL.910.FI. Under this restriction, they may not provide training for obtaining CLOUD and FI(S) qualifications. Other training for which they have privileges may only be provided under supervision of an FI(S) who meets requirements for responsible FI(S) (see paragraph 6.1.1). FI(S) with restricted privileges also does not have the right to authorize an applicant’s first solo flight and first solo navigation flight.

FI(S) with Restriction FCL.910.FI – Removal of Restriction

The restriction of FI(S) privileges under FCL.910.FI can be removed if the holder of FI(S) qualification has provided training as FI(S) for at least 15 hours or 50 flights, which included the complete training syllabus for issuing SPL or LAPL(S). To remove the FI(S) restriction under paragraph 6.12.8, the responsible FI(S) who supervised the training provided by the FI(S) with restricted privileges must confirm in their logbook and form CAA-F-161-7(j) fulfillment of all requirements of paragraph 6.12.8 and explicitly state that the supervised training included the complete training syllabus for issuing SPL or LAPL(S), including the name of the applicant to whom the training was provided.