In Australia you can operate a microlight aircraft under either the Hang Gliding Federation of Australia (HGFA) or Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus). Both of these organizations offer similar qualifications and both have a way of becoming an instructor and ultimately the possibility of setting up your own flight training facility.

Following is a brief outline as to the steps involved in becoming a microlight instructor. The HGFA and/or RAAus Operations Manual should be checked for more detailed information on requirements for; and responsibilities of becoming an instructor. Minimum hours are exactly that and many pilots will require more than the minimum to achieve the high level of expertise expected of an instructor. Good presentation, airmanship and communication skills are desirable qualities for any prospective instructors. I am happy to talk with and offer assistance to any pilots who may wish to work towards their instructor rating.

Step 1. Find a school and become a member of HGFA or RAAus.
Step 2. Complete your flying lessons and gain a Pilot Certificate (Minimum 20 hours).
Step 3. Gain your Passenger Carrying Endorsement (10 hours after pilot certificate).
Step 4. VHF Radio Endorsement (can be gained at any stage of your lessons).
Step 5. Complete your Cross Country, Navigation Endorsement.
Step 6. Log a minimum of 75 hours as Pilot in Command.
Step 7. Apply for apprentice instructor with an approved flight training facility.
Step 8. Complete apprenticeship and work under a CFI as a Pilot Instructor.
Step 9. Train a minimum of 3 students to solo (under direct CFI supervision).
Step 10. Apply for Senior Flight Instructor (Minimum 50 hours flight instruction).*
Step 11. Continue working with CFI for minimum of 200 instructional hours.
Step 12. Apply for Chief Flight Instructor (Minimum 200 hours flight instruction).**

*Once you have gained your Senior Flight Instructor rating you are able to operate a Satellite Flight Training Facility under the guidance of your CFI. The application for a Satellite Facility comes from your CFI and He/She oversees all your training operations. Full details in the HGFA or RAAus Operations manual.

**Once you have gained a CFI rating you can then set up your own flight training facility and will be required to pass a Facility inspection and gain the necessary approvals to operate your own independent school. Once again full details can be found in the HGFA or RAAus Operations Manual.

Alternatively the HGFA offer a Flight Experience Instructor rating. This level of instructor allows you to give Trial Instructional Flights only. Student/Passenger in rear seat only for a once off flight experience. A minimum requirement for this rating is 200 hours logged as Pilot in Command. Full details in the HGFA Operations Manual.

Larry Jones
CFI/Examiner
Adelaide Airsports