Additional Ratings

The FRTOL is the radio licence you need to legally be able to use the radio in an aircraft. Everyone who flies and uses a radio needs this licence (commonly referred to as an RT licence).

To gain a FTROL, you have to pass an oral exam. You effectively sit in a class room and practising using the radio without the pressures of flying. Your examiner will be sat in another room and will be acting as the air traffic controller as well as other agencies. You’ll be given a number of scenarios and tested on all the major aspects of using the radio including emergencies, airspace entries and service requests.

If you wish to fly a tail wheel aeroplane, you are required to complete Differences Training with a qualified instructor. The type and content of the Differences Training is given in CAP 804.

The EASA Aerobatic Rating is a mandatory rating now needed by anyone wishing to fly aerobatics in an EASA registered aerobatic aircraft. Although not required for non-compliant types such as warbirds, experimental category or older aircraft, the Rating is a useful and widely accepted method of recognition of aerobatics competence.

The EASA Aerobatic Rating is a lifetime rating.  It may be undertaken by any pilot with an EASA Licence who has completed at least 40 hours of flight time as PIC in the appropriate aircraft category, since the issue of their licence.  The course requires at least 5 hours of aerobatic instruction (translating to 8 hours of flying time) or 20 flights, and theoretical knowledge instruction.

This rating allows you to perform flights in aircraft classified in the (SEP) Sea Class. The course consists of both theoretical and practical training, which teaches you to perform both takeoff and landing operations on water reservoirs.

This is useful for a club check pilot or for someone that wants to put something back into aviation. You are unable to instruct new PPL students with a CRI, but can fly the 2 yearly instructional flight that PPL holders require. This is also useful for checking out pilots to type of aircraft within the same class.

This allows you to instruct and teach new PPL students. Initially, you are restricted and can’t send new students solo. This restriction is lifted with hours and experience. You can also have other restrictions removed so you are able to teach other ratings such as aerobatics and night ratings.

The course includes comprehensive ground school and practical sessions aim at examiner standardisation. There are a few different examiner training courses:

• Flight Examiner (PPL) Course
• Flight Examiner (CPL) Course
• Class Rating Examiner (CRE) Course