Entry requirements for all types of flight examiners
In order to be admitted to the training to become a flight examiner, the following criteria must be met:
The applicant for a flight examiner license must have appropriate knowledge, background and experience regarding the rights of an examiner.
The applicant must prove that no sanctions, including suspension, restriction or revocation of any of their licenses, authorizations or certificates granted under this Part, have been imposed in the last 3 years for any breach of the Basic Regulation and its implementing provisions.
After verification of the prerequisites and application for the examiner's license, the candidate is summoned to a hearing by the aviation authority "Austro Control". During this interview, the authority evaluates the candidate's career path and personal character. A criminal record check is routinely required.
Additional requirements
Flight Examiner (FE)
Examiners for private helicopter pilot licenses must have over 1000 total flight hours, including 250 hours as a flight instructor.
Examiners of professional helicopter pilots (CPL/H) require 2000 total flight hours and must also demonstrate at least 250 hours as a flight instructor.
The applicant must hold a flight instructor license (FI/H).
Flight Instructor Examiner (FIE)
Examiners for helicopter flight instructors require 2000 total flight hours and must hold a flight instructor license (FI/H).
In addition, a total of 100 flight hours must be documented in flight instructor training as a flight instructor trainer.
Additional requirements
Type Rating Examiner (TRE)
Applicants for a type rating instructor license must hold a TRI (Type Rating Instructor) license.
If the applicant wishes to test on a single-engine helicopter approved for one pilot, a flight instructor license (FI/H) is a basic requirement.
For the initial issuance of a TRE(H) license, the applicant must provide proof of at least 50 hours as a flight instructor on the relevant type.
In the case of helicopters with two pilots, the applicant must hold a CPL/H or ATPL/H and have a total of 1500 flight hours, of which at least 500 flight hours must be as pilot in command.
In the case of multi-engine helicopters with one pilot, the applicant must hold a CPL/H or ATPL/H and demonstrate a total of 1000 flight hours, of which at least 500 flight hours must be as pilot in command.
In the case of single-engine helicopters with one pilot, the applicant must demonstrate a total of 750 flight hours, of which at least 500 flight hours must be as pilot in command.
Practical training
The practical training consists of a total of 4 flight exercises:
Unit: Standard procedure (approx. 40 minutes)
Unit: Emergency procedure (approx. 40 minutes)
Unit: Navigation and cross-country flight (approx. 40 minutes)
Unit: Simulation of a complete exam (approx. 60 minutes)
Conducting an actual examination under the supervision of a senior examiner
The flight exercises naturally take place with the appropriate briefings. During the flight exercises, each examination section is simulated in the presence of an experienced flight examiner – and, if the helicopter type allows, with the use of an additional candidate (as a "dummy").
If the suitability assessment is positive, the aviation authority will offer a theory course for obtaining the required rating. The duration of the course depends on the rating. For FE and FIE, at least one day is scheduled; for TRE, at least three days.
Theoretical training at Austro Control
The theoretical training takes place at the national aviation authority "Austro Control" and is scheduled for one day.