Flying Instructor FI (H)
The FI(H) rating qualifies you as a helicopter flight instructor, the professional figure responsible for training the next generation of pilots.

Becoming a flight instructor means not only mastering flight to the highest level, but being able to communicate safety culture, air law, and piloting technique with clarity and authority. Air-Evolution Ltd. accompanies you on this path with experienced reference instructors, an operational base in Ticino, and an EASA-compliant programme.
The path to the FI(H) rating
Entry requirements
To enrol on the FI(H) course, the applicant must hold a valid PPL(H) or CPL(H) licence. PPL(H) holders must have logged at least 200 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC) and must have passed all CPL(H) theoretical knowledge examinations before commencing the course. CPL(H) holders must have logged at least 100 hours as Pilot in Command. In both cases, the minimum total flight experience required is 220 hours.
Medical certificate
For the FI(H) course, the applicant must hold a valid EASA-FCL Class 1 Medical Certificate, issued by an authorised Aeromedical Examiner (AME). We recommend verifying your fitness before commencing training.
Pre-entry check-ride
Before being admitted to the course, the applicant must pass a preliminary flight assessment with a qualified flight instructor. The pre-entry check-ride is used to verify that the applicant's technical flying standard meets the requirements of the instructor training course.
Theoretical training
The theoretical programme is structured in two parts: a 25-hour Teaching and Learning module, dedicated to instructional and communication techniques in the aviation environment, and an in-depth 100-hour theoretical course covering technical and regulatory subjects. Together, these modules provide the methodological and academic foundations needed to train future pilots with professionalism.
Practical training
The practical training requires a minimum of 30 flight hours, of which at least 25 hours in dual instruction with a qualified FI-rated flight instructor. The remaining hours may be conducted as mutual instruction, where two candidates alternate in the roles of pilot and instructor, or on a certified flight simulator. This approach develops both advanced piloting technique and the ability to demonstrate and correct manoeuvres from within the cockpit.
Skill test
Upon completion of the course you will be required to pass a skill test before an authorised Flight Instructor Examiner. Once passed, you will be issued the FI(H) rating, which authorises you to instruct PPL(H) candidates, with restrictions for higher licence categories until 100 hours of flight instruction have been logged. Once the restrictions are removed, the candidate receives the appropriate extensions for higher-level licences as well.