FTA flight instructor James Piper. Photos: FTA
Brighton-based FTA has added a ten-week Flight Instructor course and will start training their first group of instructors this month.
The FI course is in addition to an enhanced integrated flight deck programme, a new advanced course and an hour-building package introduced this year by FTA.
Sean Jacob, managing director for FTA Global, said, “We believe that we offer the most comprehensive range of flight training programmes in the industry. We are delivering this flight instructor course as a response to customer demand and will be one of only a handful of providers to offer the programme in the south-east of England.
“Pilots who qualify as instructors will also have the unique opportunity to interview for a position in our company.”
Flight Instructors are sought after by both airlines and schools. The rating is popular with those who enjoy teaching, have a passion for flying and like the stability of a Monday to Friday rota.
One of FTA’s Diamond aircraft parked in front of the art deco terminal at Brighton City Airport
Former FTA graduate, James Piper was promoted to Chief Flying Instructor at FTA Global two years ago. He has worked for the company for over seven years and has started a family.
James said, “The work-life balance is a big plus. I have a young child and at the end of the day I go home to my wife and daughter. That time with my family and friends is very important to me.”
But James also enjoys the work.
“One highlight was the first student I took from zero flight experience to completing his commercial training,” he said.
“During an hour-building flight he’d arrange to meet his parents at a local airport. It was heart-warming to see his family’s pride in what he was accomplishing. I also get a big kick out of training students who have struggled during their training with other schools.”
FTA’s new course costs £9,950 and takes place at the company’s base at Brighton City Airport, UK.
Course breakdown:
Over approximately 10 weeks (studying full-time):
- Ground Training – 125 hours of theoretical knowledge instruction. This covers the following subjects:
- Air Law
- Aircraft General Knowledge
- Flight Performance and Planning
- Human Performance and Limitations
- Meteorology
- Navigation
- Operational Procedures
- Principles of Flight and Communications
- Flight Training – at least 30 hours flying including flight instruction, 5 of which may be mutual flying, (2 student instructors flying together to practice flight demonstrations).
