How to Keep your Pilot’s Licence Current
In order to apply for a First Officer position for an airline, you are required to hold a commercial pilots licence with a current multi-engine instrument rating (IR). If you don’t find a job within a year of completing your initial instrument rating, you will need to revalidate it in order to maintain your licence currency and be eligible to apply for a flight deck job.
We’ve explained the difference between renewing and revalidating the IR, and suggested some places which can provide such a service.
We would recommend maintaining a current IR at all times. The offer of a job can come round quickly and unexpectedly and as you are required to have a current IR in order to commence a type rating, a job offer is unlikely to be made without it.
In order to apply for a first officer position for an airline, you are required to hold a commercial pilots licence with a current multi-engine instrument rating (IR). If you don’t find a job within a year of completing your initial instrument rating, you will need to revalidate it in order to maintain your licence currency and be eligible to apply for a flight deck job.
We’ve explained the difference between renewing and revalidating the IR, and suggested some places which can provide such a service.
We would recommend maintaining a current IR at all times. The offer of a job can come round quickly and unexpectedly and as you are required to have a current IR in order to commence a type rating, a job offer is unlikely to be made without it. You are not required to hold a multi-engine class rating to commence a type rating.
Revalidation
A multi-engine instrument rating (IR) is valid for 12 months after it’s issue or revalidation. An IR shall be revalidated within the three months immediately preceding the expiry date of the rating. The IR revalidation can be completed at the same time as a class rating – this basically means you can revalidate your multi-engine rating alongside your instrument rating. To revalidate the IR, you are required to complete a proficiency check.
An IR revalidation can be completed in an FNTP II simulator every other year, however you are unable to revalidate your class rating in the simulator. This can be a significantly cheaper option that completing it in the aircraft.
Renewal
- If your IR has expired, you are required to renew it. This must be done in an aircraft, an FNTP II simulator can’t be used.
- If your IR has expired by less than 5 years, the applicant must complete a Skill Test with an authorised examiner.
- If your IR has expired by more than 5 years but less than 7 years the applicant must pass a type rating skill test with or observed by a UK CAA Flight Operations Training Inspector.
- To renew an IR that has expired by more than 7 years, the applicant will also be required to retake the IR theoretical knowledge examinations.
Where to go . . .
We have compiled a price comparison list for some of the companies that offer IR renewal and revalidation. The fees include aircraft hire and the examiners fee. All prices are approximations – you need to speak to the company for a direct quote.
UK Flying.com – June 2021
An organisation with EASA & UK Examiners available for hire at various locations across the UK. Free online refreshers are offered as part of the process.
- Simulator DA42 (No Practice, 1.5hr test) – £450 (includes online refresher training and test materials)
- Simulator DA42 (1 Hours Practice, 1.5hr test) – £645
- Aircraft DA42 (No Practice, 1.5hr test) – £720 (includes online refresher training and test materials)
- Aircraft DA42 (1 Hours Practice, 1.5hr test) – £1060
Contact via website or email [email protected]
Multiflight (Leeds)
Simulator BE76 (No Practice) – £388
Simulator BE76 (1 Hours Practice) -£581
Aircraft BE76 (No Practice) – £560
Flying Time Aviation (Shoreham)
Simulator DA42 (No Practice) – £433
Simulator DA42 (1 Hours Practice) – £602
Aircraft DA42 (No Practice) – £742
Aircraft DA42 (1 Hours Practice) – £1117
Mid Anglia School of Flying (Cambridge)
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