2021 saw FTA run its first series of their Flight Instructor Course (FIC). 7 students undertook the course to become a UK Flight Instructor (FI), FI(A).

‘I believe FTA offers one of the best courses in the country’. David Hoy, FIC Instructor. 

‘We try to make the FTA course rather unique with four guest speakers from industry as well as a very personalised course with no more than three students working together as a team. Shoreham is also a great location for flight training of this kind with free airspace up to 5,500 feet, no TMA or overly close controlled airspace to slow down the lessons. 

I have been involved in flight instructor training for thirty years and still enjoy it! I believe FTA offers one of the best courses in the country but this is all very subjective. It is for you to decide if it suits you. Once started, you will be working very hard for a period of 9 to 10 weeks but I'm sure you will enjoy it, if you like flying and enjoy imparting knowledge.’ David Hoy, FIC Instructor.

In addition to the FI training, the FIC students also receive talks from industry professionals and attend excursions to industry-related places; all to build upon and develop their skills as future FIs. 

The speakers and excursions for the FI students in 2021 include: 

• A visit to the AAIB for a talk and tour by Robert Clements; discussing, amongst other things, partial engine failure.   
• A talk from Clive Posford, Cega Air Ambulance. 
• A talk from Professor Michael Bagshaw, Professor of Medicine at London University and ex-Head of Medicine at British Airways.  
• A virtual visit to Cranfield’s digital ATC tower with Senior Air Traffic Controller Sophie Hayes. 
• A visit to The Spitfire Academy with Tim Granshaw. 
• A talk by David Thompson of the CAA; on Airspace. 
• A talk by Andy Sayers; Air Ambulance Pilot. 
• A talk by Peter Haydn Smith, a Doctor / Psychiatrist; discussing the CAA’s attitude towards mental health. 
• A visit to and talk by the Senior Air Traffic Controller at Shoreham ATC. 
• A talk by Adrian Read, Captain TRI/ZFT LIFUS and MD of Flight Performance Training; discussing UPRT.

All FIC students at FTA are also guaranteed an interview for a FI position at FTA. One ex-FI student at FTA who went on to secure a FI position at FTA is Nick. 

‘The FTA FIC course was exceptionally enjoyable. In the classroom, we worked on our presentation skills, learning how to communicate concepts in a way that was easy to understand. We delved into fascinating subjects in detail, both conversationally and in presentations – dissecting accidents and incidents to learn from and discussing practical topics that tested our understanding and enhanced our airmanship. 

In the air, we transitioned from ‘doing’ the flying to ‘teaching’ the flying. Learning not to talk too much (something I am guilty of), recognising when things are not right, and learning the correct time to intervene. Mistakes are learning opportunities and to allow the student to make mistakes and correct them (hopefully themselves) is crucial. We also learnt how to manage lesson time, making effective use of all stages of the flight. We flew at least once or twice a day and back seated at other times, maximising our time in the air. 

It was an intense course that tested us throughout, but we received excellent and supportive instruction, and fascinating external speakers who captured our imagination and gave us further insight to an industry that we love! Throughout the course, it was also extremely beneficial to build contacts with the guest speakers, excursions, and visits to other airfields which are invaluable in obtaining a job once you've achieved your FI rating.’ Nick Handford, FI and Business Development at FTA. 

READ ABOUT TED’S EXPERIENCE ON THE FIC AT FTA.

FTA are running their very successful FIC in 2022 again. The course start dates are: 

- 21st February 2022. 

- 23rd May 2022. 

- 22nd August 2022.

(Remaining places are limited and operate on a first-come-first-served basis).

 
The FIC at FTA costs £12,500 (including VAT) which also includes: 

- Pre-assessment flight test. 

- Assessment of competence. 

- All flight and ground tuition as per the course syllabus. 

- Airport fees as per the course syllabus.

The Honorable Company of Air Pilots offer bursaries for instructors and more information can be found here: Flying Bursaries. FTA Global is also registered with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) for Low Value Provision (LVP). The LVP is the provision of short vocational and occupational training to claimants who have a job offer or need training to be able to compete for vacancies in their local labour market. Full information can be obtained from your local Job Centre. 

For more information and to get in contact about the FIC at FTA, please see here. Alternatively, you can get in touch at: admissions@fta-global.com or 01273 455177.

We caught up with Ted, a recent FIC student at FTA to hear about his time on the FIC, his background, and his honest advice to those considering FTA’s FIC.

• First course start date is 22 February 2021
• Start this month and complete your training this Spring
• All graduates will have the opportunity to interview for a role at FTA

We are pleased to announce the launch of Flight Instructor training this month. This the third addition to an already broad range of flight training programmes.

Flight Instructors are sought after by airlines and schools. The rating is popular with those that enjoy teaching, have a passion for flying and like the stability of a Monday to Friday rota. Your first opportunity to enrol in 2021 is 22 February, and the flight training is delivered over a four day week with additional self study. 

Train for a job you love - every day

Tom, an advanced flight instructor at FTA explains what he loves about his job: 'I feel so lucky to be paid for what feels more like a hobby, than a job. I get to share my passion for flying on a daily basis with like-minded students and I’m constantly learning whilst gaining experience.’ 

We have 15 years experience of delivering commercial flight training, during which we have built a reputation of excellent teaching standards and student satisfaction. The new instructor course reinforces the company’s position as a world-class provider of UK-based programmes.  

Sean Jacob, Managing Director for FTA Global, explains why he’s excited about the launch:

Our customers are at the centre of everything we do. As part of our ongoing commitment to deliver elite flight training for professional pilots we are expanding our range of programmes. 

Each year market experts publish a report on their predictions for the aviation industry. Amongst all the Brexit uncertainty you could be forgiven for taking a ‘wait and see’ approach to forecasting what employment prospects will be and the impact on your training.

We interviewed Matt, who has recently joined FTA instructing the ATPL Theory. Popular and enthusiastic Matt has wasted no time in making the role his own. Not long out of university, it could be daunting for a recent graduate to standing in front of a class of 15 or 20 students explaining the principles of flight such as lift augmentation or aerodynamic limitations. Still, he loves it: “I like to know I’m helping others understand and revise the content, it’s a great feeling”. He explains his gratitude for finding a role that enables him to continue with learning and progressing his aviation knowledge. FTA Global reward excellence and sponsor employees to increase their experience and progress with their career. First, he tells about how it all started:

Ibiza DJ - turned commercial pilot Sarah is one of FTA's longest serving employees. Sarah has worked at FTA as an instructor since the beginning where she is popular with all students and staff. She took time from her busy schedule to share her advice for those considering the career.

Experienced pilot and First Officer Jerome, talks us through his unexpected journey to becoming a First Officer for Ryanair and how he’ll never lose his love for teaching.

Before our Flight Instructor Pablo went off to pastures new, he agreed to complete quickfire Q&A for us. Pablo was a great asset to the company and really enjoyed his time teaching FTA students. His responses offer great insight into 'why to get into flight instruction'.