The Initial Flying Instructor course is designed to train the candidate to the level of proficiency required for issue of a Flying Instructor (Virtual) rating with Single Engine Piston privileges.
The course is designed to give training to the applicant in theoretical knowledge instruction and in-flight instruction in order to instruct on single engine piston aircraft and the Initial Flying Training Course.
Pre-entry Requirements
In order to be accepted on to the IFI course, the candidate must:
- Hold VATSIM P2 and P3 ratings
- Meet the general staff requirements outlined in OM-D (General)
- Have completed the Initial Instructor Training Course
The aim is for candidates to:
- Learn how to use JoinFS as an instructor
- Develop the instructional skills acquired during the Initial Instructor Training course
- Learn to train and assess pilots using the BAVirtual Pilot Competencies
- Gain familiarity with the Initial Flying Training Course exercises
- Learn to assess when a trainee has achieved the General Skills Test (GST) standard
- Reach a satisfactory standard for a final Assessment of Competence
- Achieve FI(V) certification
During the course the Trainee Instructor will:
- Operate shared cockpit software (YourControls, SmartCopilot, JoinFS...) and VATSIM vPilot/xPilot as an instructor
- Develop his/her instructional technique
- Give briefings on Initial Flying Training Course details
- Demonstrate aircraft handling and instructional patter
- Identify and correct errors
- Give and receive feedback and tutoring
The Line Training Captain (LTC) Initial Course is designed to train and assess the trainee in the core skills, knowledge and competencies required for BAVirtual Line Training captains.
The course is generic for all fleets and must be completed by all newly appointed BAVirtual Line Training Captains and Type Rating Instructors.
A BAVirtual Instructor who wishes to extend their instructional privileges to a different type is not required to complete a further Initial Training course.
The objective of the course is to provide the Trainee Instructor with a foundation in training and learning theory and practice, together with an awareness of the skills, knowledge and attitude required of an instructor.
These skills and competencies include but are not limited to:
- Creating a climate conducive to learning
- Identifying and responding to trainees’ needs
- Presenting and transferring knowledge
- Facilitating understanding
- Demonstration
- Identification, evaluation and correction of errors
- Giving feedback
- Relevance of effective and pre-emptive briefings
- Assessing trainee performance
- Writing accurate and objective reports
- Managing time to achieve training objectives
The course consists of a combination of online modules delivered via the Moodle Learning Academy.