The Types of Instructors in Aviation
The types of Instructors in Aviation (FI, IRI, IRE, MCCI, TRI, SFI, TRE, SFE)
These acronyms denote specific types of pilot instructors and examiners:
- FI: Flight Instructor
- IRI: Instrument Rating Instructor
- IRE: Instrument Rating Examiner
- MCCI: Multi Crew Coordination Instructor
- TRI: Type Rating Instructor
- SFI: Synthetic Flight Instructor
- TRE: Type Rating Examiner
Each designation is essential in ensuring pilots receive the highest level of training and assessments, maintaining high standards of aviation safety.
Becoming an instructor
Becoming an instructor or examiner represents a shift into a leadership role. Advanced certifications like IRE, IRI, SFI, TRI, TRE, and SFE allow pilots to shape and assess the skills of their peers, with each certification carrying unique responsibilities, specific flight hours, instructor experience, and specialized training. All these ratings share a vital purpose: to uphold and advance safety standards in aviation through rigorous training and evaluation practices.
Roles and Requirements
Flight Instructor (FI):
A general instructor category.
Instrument Rating Instructor (IRI)
An IRI transforms visual pilots into skilled IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) pilots, guiding them to meet stringent safety standards.
Prerequisites
- 800 total flight hours, including 200 under IFR
- 50 hours of IFR instruction
- A valid Instrument Rating (IR)
How to get there:
- Complete an IRI course and pass an evaluation
- Gain relevant instructor experience
Instrument Rating Examiner (IRE)
An IRE certifies that pilots can fly safely under IFR, crucial for low-visibility conditions relying on instruments.
Prerequisites
- 2,000 total flight hours, including 500 under IFR
- Valid IR and experience as an IRI
- Completion of an examiner training course
How to get there:
- Gain IFR instructing experience
- Complete examiner training and pass an assessment
Multi Crew Coordination Instructor (MCCI)
Multi-Crew Cooperation Instructors (MCCI) are well-prepared to teach instrument flying and multi-crew concepts in a full-flight simulator during the basic phase and secure students with realistic training while operating a multi-pilot, multi-engine aircraft under IFR conditions.
Prerequisites
- Flight time – At least 1,500 hours of flying experience as a pilot on multi-pilot operations
- License – Valid or already expired CPL, MPL or ATPL licences for the appropriate aircraft category
- English language proficiency – ICAO level 4
Type Rating Instructor (TRI)
TRIs help pilots transition to new aircraft types, essential for moving from single-engine to multi-engine aircraft or more complex jets.
As a TRI, you can conduct simulator training towards type-ratings however, you do not have the authority to issue type-ratings. To become a Type Rating Instructor. You must have completed, within the 12 months preceding the date of application, 30 route sectors as PIC or co-pilot on the applicable airplane type, of which 15 sectors may be completed in an FFS representing that type.
Prerequisites
- 1,500 flight hours, including 500 on the specific aircraft type
- Valid Type Rating for the aircraft
How to get there:
- Complete a TRI course with both theoretical and practical instruction
- Pass a practical assessment under supervision
Synthetic Flight Instructor (SFI)
This type of instructor carries out instructing in the simulator, for training such as MCC (Multi-crew co-ordination). Typically, the requirements for becoming an SFI are as follows: You must hold an ATPL, have completed a minimum of 1500 hours on a multi-crew aircraft, and have your application completed within 12 months which will entail a Proficiency Check, 3 legs on the aircraft type or 2 LOFT-based simulator sessions.
Type Rating Examiner (TRE) and Synthetic Flight Examiner (SFE)
Type Rating Examiner is for aviation professionals who are interested in becoming instructors carrying out examining duties on behalf of the regulatory authority. As a TRE you conduct skill tests for the initial issue of type ratings for aircraft and have the authority to issue type ratings. As a prerequisite, you must hold 50 hours as a TRI. A type Rating Examiner position is granted by the aviation authority and you will have a separate certificate showing you are a TRE.
Prerequisites
- 1,500 flight hours, including 500 on the specific aircraft
- Valid Type Rating and TRI/SFE certification
- Completion of an examiner course
How to get there:
- Gain experience as a TRI/SFE in simulators
- Complete training and pass a practical or simulator check ride
Why do these ratings matter?
Career Growth: Advanced certifications in instructing and examining open doors to senior positions, such as Flight Operations Manager or Chief Pilot, and provide significant leadership opportunities in pilot training.
High Global Demand: With airlines needing to train approximately 602,000 new pilots by 2041, there is a strong demand for certified instructors and examiners, ensuring stable career growth.
Higher Compensation: Instructors and examiners typically earn more than line pilots, with experienced professionals reaching annual salaries of up to well over £200,000 at a short-haul airline and upwards of £300,000 at a long-haul legacy/national flag carrier airline.
How to Earn These Ratings
Becoming a certified instructor or examiner is challenging but rewarding. By training and evaluating future pilots, you not only elevate your own expertise but also play a crucial role in enhancing aviation safety, shaping the industry’s future, and enriching your career.
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