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Long-time flight instructor refresher course (FIRC) provider Aviation Solutions has received the first and only approval from Transport Canada to offer its program fully online. The FIRC program is a method that flight instructors can use to renew their ratings, which is required on an ongoing basis. The program has traditionally involved a three-five day in-person conference over the 69 year history of FIRCs in Canada.
A leading provider of these courses, in 2013 Aviation Solutions developed the first and only version of the program that combined one day of online self study with a two day in-person conference. In order to respond to travel and gathering restrictions across the country due to COVID-19 in 2020, Aviation Solutions has brought the conference portion of the program fully online.
“This was not as simple as setting up a laptop with webcam and broadcasting a course,” said chief instructor Michael Schuster. “The entire program was subject to our thorough risk assessment process and a validation by Transport Canada. We had to go back and look at our presentations, activities, learning objectives, and evaluation criteria to re-validate the effectiveness of the program and make modifications where necessary. At the end of day, every client needs to display adequate knowledge, skills, and aptitudes to effectively exercise the privileges of their instructor rating.”
The course can replace the need to under-take a renewal flight test.
In an effort to help flight instructors who have suffered from an on-going operational stand down since mid-March, Aviation Solutions is also offering a tuition deferral program.
“We will be offering deferred tuition fees until the Fall to those flight instructors experiencing financial hardship. This is a way for instructors to renew their qualifications now, maintain or gain employment for the summer season, and pay their tuition fee in the fall — interest free,” said Schuster, who also owns the company. “It’s our small way of helping where we can.”
Good morning.
I am an ATPL rated whom worked my way up through as a class 4 instructor up to class 1 and chief flight instructor and chief pilot. It has been over 20 years since the days of teaching all licenses, ratings and conducting flight test for private commercial and multi ratings.
I am interested to get back into teaching as a class 1 or 2 instructor. I need to find out how your course(s) can help me to update myself. I am sure lots have changed and some are the same.
I would appreciate If you could provide me with details and costs of what I need to accomplish to achieve this? I am not sure how COVID-19 has effected these programs.
I also would like to learn about your Location(s) team and successes?
Sincerely
Mani
I
How do I register for this refresher course? When is the next one being offered? How much does it cost?