Becoming a flight instructor is one of the most rewarding careers in aviation. You get to share your passion for flying with others and have the opportunity to help new pilots achieve their goals and become safe, competent aviators. However, you must earn your Flight Instructor Rating (FIR) before becoming a flight instructor.
What is a Flight Instructor Rating?
A Flight Instructor Rating is a qualification that allows a pilot to teach others how to fly. A pilot must already hold a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) to obtain an FIR. The FIR is divided into two categories: the Flight Instructor Rating for Aeroplanes (FIR (A)) and the Flight Instructor Rating for Helicopters (FIR (H)).
To become a flight instructor, you must complete a rigorous training program covering the technical and practical aspects of teaching others to fly. The training is typically conducted by a Flight Training Organization (FTO) or a Flight Instructor Rating Training Organization (FI RTO), including ground school and flight training.
The ground school portion of the training covers topics such as aviation law, human factors, and teaching techniques. The flight training portion of the course involves flying with an instructor and learning how to teach others to fly. During the training, you will learn how to create lesson plans, provide effective feedback, and evaluate a student’s progress.
Once you’ve completed your training, you must pass a written exam and a flight test to obtain your FIR. The aviation authority in your country typically conducts the exam, and a designated Flight Examiner conducts the flight test.
Why become a Flight Instructor?
Becoming a flight instructor is an excellent career choice for pilots who are passionate about aviation and enjoy teaching others. Here are some of the benefits of becoming a flight instructor:
Develop Your Skills: As a flight instructor, you’ll need to have a deep understanding of aviation and be able to explain complex concepts to others. This will help you develop your flying skills and become a safer, more competent pilot.
Job Security: There is always a demand for qualified flight instructors, and the aviation industry is expected to grow in the coming years. This means there will be plenty of job opportunities for those holding an FIR.
Fulfilling Career: Teaching others to fly can be incredibly rewarding, and you’ll be satisfied knowing that you’re helping others achieve their dreams of becoming pilots.
Networking Opportunities: As a flight instructor, you’ll have the opportunity to meet other aviation professionals and build your network. This can be valuable when looking for job opportunities or advancing your career.
Flexibility: Flight instructors often have flexible schedules and can work part-time or full-time. This can be especially attractive for those who want to balance their career with other commitments.
How to Become a Flight Instructor in Sydney?
If you’re interested in becoming a flight instructor in Sydney, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Obtain your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). It would help if you held one of these licenses to be eligible for the FIR training.
- Find a Flight Instructor Rating Training Organization (FI RTO) or a Flight Training Organization (FTO) that offers FIR training. Look for a reputable school with experienced instructors and a good track record of producing successful flight instructors.
- Complete the FIR training program, including ground school and flight training.
- Pass the written exam and flight test to obtain your FIR.
- Build your experience as a flight instructor by working for a flight school or starting your own business.
