BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR: YOUR PATHWAY TO A REWARDING AVIATION CAREER

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on becoming a flight instructor! In this section, we’ll explore the steps to achieve your flight instructor certification, discuss the benefits of pursuing this career, and provide tailored insights for individuals of all ages interested in making this exciting transition in the aviation world.

WHY BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR ?


SHARE YOUR PASSION

As an instructor, you'll have the opportunity to share your love for flying with others, helping students achieve their dreams.

GAIN EXPERIENCE

Flight instructing allows you to log valuable flight hours, which are crucial for advancing your career in aviation, whether you aspire to be a commercial pilot or an airline captain.

FLEXIBLE HOURS

Instructing often offers flexible working hours, allowing you to balance your personal life with your professional aspirations.

JOB SECURITY

As the demand for pilots continues to rise, flight instructors play a critical role in training the next generation of aviators.

OPPORTUNITY FOR CAREER SHIFT

For those considering a career change later in life, flight instruction provides a fulfilling path that utilizes existing skills while embracing new challenges.

CAREER PATH CONSIDERATIONS BY AGE GROUP

  • IN YOUR 20s

    A flight instructor role is an ideal way to build flight hours and gain experience shortly after obtaining your PPL or commercial pilot license. Working with students helps you refine your skills and prepares you for advanced aviation roles, such as working for commercial airlines.
  • IN YOUR 30s

    Individuals in their 30s can leverage previous career experiences as instructors while also acquiring extensive flight hours. This age group may find flight instruction a viable option to ensure a successful transition into aviation without starting at the bottom of the career ladder.
  • IN YOUR 40s

    If you are considering a late transition to aviation, flight instructing provides a means to embrace your passion for flying while drawing on life experiences. Your unique perspective can contribute significantly to student learning, and your maturity may resonate well with aspiring pilots.
  • IN YOUR 50s AND BEYOND

    For older adults, flight instruction can be a fulfilling second career or an enriching hobby. Many pilots in this age group enjoy helping others achieve their dreams while maintaining an active lifestyle. The less stringent medical requirements for flight instructors make this a suitable path later in life, allowing for continued engagement in aviation without the pressures of commercial piloting.

    OUR INSTRUCTOR COURSES

    Dentos offers specialized instructor courses for aspiring Flight Instructors, Class Rating Instructors, and Instrument Rating Instructors, providing comprehensive training that enhances their teaching capabilities. These courses focus on foundational flight instruction principles, regulatory requirements, and advanced instructional techniques tailored to each specific rating. Participants engage in immersive learning experiences that combine theoretical knowledge with practical applications, allowing them to effectively guide students in mastering flight operations. By completing these instructor courses, candidates will be well-equipped to foster a safe, proficient, and engaging learning environment for future pilots.

    • FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR - FI

      TRAINING APPROVAL

      Are to conduct flight instruction for the issue, revalidation or renewal of a PPL, CPL, Night Rating

      PREREQUISITES

      • Have valid JAR/EASA Pilots licence which must include a valid SEP (land) class rating;
      • JAR/EASA CPL or ATPL theoretical knowledge examinations Pass;
      • If only holding a PPL, must have at least 200 hours of flight time of which 150 hours must be PIC;
      • A total of 30 hours on SEP aircraft of which 5 hours shall be in the last six months preceding the pre-entry flight test;
      • A total of 10 hours Instrument flight instruction of which 5 hours may be in a Flight simulator or FNPT;
      • A total of 20 hours of cross country flying as PIC including a flight of at least 300nm in the course of which a full stop landings at two aerodromes different to the departure aerodrome; and
      • Pass a specific pre-entry flight test with a FIC Instructor within six months preceding the start of the course;

      COURSE STRUCTURE

      The FI(A) training course shall include:
      • 25 hours of teaching and learning;
      • 100 hours of theoretical knowledge instruction, including progress tests and
      • hours of flight instruction, of which 25 hours shall be dual flight instruction, of which 5 hours may be conducted in an FFS, an FNPT I or II or an FTD 2/3.

      FEES AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

      FI(A) training course:

      • €2.500 for the 25 hours of teaching and learning

      • €1.200 for the 100 hours of theoretical knowledge instruction

      • The MCC training course shall be completed within 6 months at an ATO.

      • €4.800 for the 30 hours of flight instruction
    • THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE INSTRUCTOR - TKI

      A Theoretical Knowledge Instructor is responsible for teaching and providing instruction in the theoretical knowledge required for pilot licenses. This includes topics such as air law, navigation, meteorology, aircraft technical knowledge, and human factors. TKIs play a crucial role in preparing students for the theoretical examinations required for obtaining various pilot licenses.

    • MULTI ENGINE INSTRUCTOR - MEI

    • CLASS RATING INSTRUCTOR - CRI

      TRAINING APPROVAL

      Are to conduct flight instruction for the issue, revalidation or renewal of a class or type rating for single-pilot aeroplanes or for multi-engine aeroplanes, provided they have fulfilled certain prerequisites.

      PREREQUISITES

      An applicant for a CRI(A) certificate shall have completed at least:

      • For multi-engine aeroplanes: 500 hours flight time as a pilot on aeroplanes, and 30 hours as PIC on the applicable class or type of aeroplane;
      • For single-engine aeroplanes: 300 hours flight time as a pilot on aeroplanes, and 30 hours as PIC on the applicable class or type of aeroplane.

      COURSE STRUCTURE

      The CRI(A) training course shall include:

      • 25 hours of teaching and learning instruction – credit is given to applicants who are already FI
      • 10 hours of technical training, including revision of technical knowledge, the preparation of lesson plans and the development of classroom/simulator instructional skills; and
      • hours of flight instruction on multi-engine aeroplanes or an FSTD representing that class or type of aeroplane, including at least 3 hours on the aeroplane, or at least 3 hours of flight instruction on single-engine aeroplanes, given by a qualified FI(A).

      FEES AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

      • €2.500 for the 25 hours of teaching and learning instruction – credit is given to applicants who are already FI

      • €1.200 for the 10 hours of technical training; and

      • €2.000 for the 5 hours of flight instruction on multi-engine aeroplanes or €1.000 for the 5 hours of flight instruction on single-engine aeroplanes.
    • INSTRUMENT RATING INSTRUCTOR - IRI

      TRAINING APPROVAL

      Are to instruct for the issue, revalidation and renewal of an EIR or an IR on the appropriate aircraft category.

      PREREQUISITES

      Applicants for an IRI certificate shall:

      • To provide training in an FSTD: Have completed at least 200 hours of flight time under IFR, of which at least 50 hours shall be in aeroplanes;
      • To provide training in an aeroplane: Have completed at least 800 hours of flight time under IFR, of which at least 400 hours shall be in aeroplanes;

      COURSE STRUCTURE

      The IRI training course shall include:

      • 25 hours of teaching and learning instruction – credit is given to applicants who are already FI;
      • 10 hours of technical training, including revision of instrument theoretical knowledge, the preparation of lesson plans and the development of classroom instructional skills; and
      • 10 hours of flight instruction on an aeroplane, FFS, FTD 2/3 or FPNT II. In the case of applicants holding an FI(A) certificate, these hours are reduced to 5.

      FEES AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE


      • €2.500 for the 25 hours of teaching and learning instruction – credit is given to applicants who are already FI

      • €1.200 for the 10 hours of technical training; and

      • €2.000 for the 10 hours of flight instruction on an FPNT II or €1.000 in the case of applicants holding an FI(A).

    • TYPE RATING INSTRUCTOR - TRI

    STEPS TO BECOMING A FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

    • 1. OBTAIN YOUR PRIVATE PILOT LICENSE (PPL)

      • Complete the required training, which includes flying lessons and ground school.
      • Pass the DCA Private Pilot Knowledge Tests and the Practical Test.

      Visit our PPL course link to learn more.

    • 2. GAIN FLIGHT EXPERIENCE

      • Accumulate the necessary flight hours through our hour building program.

      Visti our Hour Building program link to learn more.

    • 3. EARN AN INSTRUMENT RATING (OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED)

      • Obtain an instrument rating to enhance your flying skills and broaden your teaching capabilities.

      Visit our Instrucment Rating Course link to learn more. 

    • 4. COMPLETE YOUR FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR TRAINING

      • Enroll in our Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) program to learn instructional techniques and training methodologies.
      • Complete required flight training specific to flight instruction.
    • 6. START INSTRUCTING

      • Seek employment with a flight school such as Dento Aviation, or consider offering private instruction to build your reputation and client base.

      Interested?

      Do you need more information?
      Send us a message and we will get back to you!