TRI/SFI - Type Rating Instructor / Synthetic Flight Instructor
Qualification for instruction in Type Rating and flight simulators
EASA certified instruction
TRI or SFI? Two essential paths to educate the next generation of pilots
The right choice depends on your profile, experience, and the ambition with which you want to take your flying career further.
Specialised training designed for pilots who wish to qualify as a Type Rating Instructor (TRI) and/or Synthetic Flight Instructor (SFI). The course develops instructional skills, teaching techniques, and assessment methodologies, preparing candidates to deliver training on specific aircraft types and synthetic training devices in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. This qualification enables instructors to train and support pilots in Type Rating, recurrent training, and operational proficiency programmes.
Both roles offer excellent career opportunities, both within and outside of airlines.
Take the next step in your career as a TRI
TRI - Type Rating Instructor
The TRI (Type Rating Instructor) course is designed for pilots who wish to take the next step in their careers by becoming qualified instructors authorised to deliver Type Rating training in a simulator and/or aircraft, according to a specific aircraft type.
Recognised by EASA, this course is essential for pilots who want to share their experience, contribute to the training of future pilots, and remain active in a highly valued area of the aviation industry.
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Train pilots to perform instructor duties on Type Rating courses safely, effectively, and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
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Develop the instructional, technical, and operational skills required for training in a simulator and/or real flight environment.
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Promote a structured approach focused on safety, training quality, and trainee performance.
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Valid CPL or ATPL licence with the corresponding aircraft Type Rating
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Minimum experience required by regulation (e.g. 1,500 total flight hours, including 30 hours on the aircraft type – in accordance with EASA FCL.915.TRI)
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Eligibility assessment and pre-course interview
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Theoretical phase: Instruction techniques, applicable regulations, Crew Resource Management (CRM), performance assessment, and applied teaching methodologies
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Practical phase: Sessions in an FFS simulator (or FTD, where applicable), focused on conducting briefings, delivering real-time instruction, and carrying out debriefings
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Final assessment: Observation and evaluation by a qualified TRI
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Instructors with extensive experience in training and commercial airline operations
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Certified simulators and a professional training environment
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Personalised support throughout the entire certification process
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High employability rate among our graduates
Theoretical Phase – 5 to 7 working days
With an average duration of 25 to 30 hours, this phase is delivered in a classroom environment (in-person or virtual, where applicable) and covers the following topics:
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Instruction techniques applied to Type Rating training
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Teaching and assessment methodologies in simulator and real-flight environments
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Relevant EASA regulations (FCL, Part-ORA, among others)
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Management of training sessions and monitoring of trainee performance
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CRM (Crew Resource Management) applied to instruction
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Standardisation of procedures and best practices in technical instruction
The focus is on developing the future instructor’s ability to deliver technical and operational knowledge in a structured, effective, and trainee-centred manner.
Practical Phase – 5 to 8 working days (variable)
Conducted in a Full Flight Simulator (FFS) or, in some cases, in an aircraft, depending on the TRI category and aircraft type.
This phase includes:
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Supervised practical instructional sessions
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Briefings and debriefings aligned with real training environments
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Delivery of operational exercises and abnormal scenario simulations
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Instructional simulations in a line training environment (where applicable)
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Feedback and instructional analysis with a TRI trainer
During these sessions, the candidate acts as an instructor and is assessed on their ability to manage technical training, maintain operational safety, and apply effective teaching methodologies.
Upon successful completion of all phases of the course, the candidate will receive the TRI certification in accordance with EASA – European Union Aviation Safety Agency regulations, namely:
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TRI(A) — Type Rating Instructor for Aeroplanes
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The certification is issued by the competent authority of the country where the licence is registered (e.g. ANAC in Portugal), based on the final report issued by the ATO (Approved Training Organisation).
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The TRI will be qualified to:
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Deliver training on Type Rating courses
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Provide instruction in simulators and/or real aircraft
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Supervise proficiency and training flights within a training environment
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Full TRI (TRI(A)): Authorises instruction in both simulators and real aircraft. Requires full compliance with the practical requirements and the specific flight hours required on type.
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Restricted TRI (TRI(R)): Authorises instruction under initial supervision. Ideal for pilots who do not yet meet all practical requirements. It may be upgraded to a Full TRI following additional supervised experience.
A TRI (Type Rating Instructor) is responsible for delivering practical and theoretical training to pilots on specific aircraft types, both in simulators and real-flight environments, within approved training programmes such as:
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Type Rating Courses
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Revalidation and Renewal Training Programmes
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Line Training Instruction (base check, line check, etc.), where applicable
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Conduct practical training sessions in simulators and/or aircraft
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Deliver structured briefings and debriefings
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Assess the technical and operational performance of trainees
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Apply instructional techniques appropriate to the pilot’s profile and progression
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Ensure training is delivered in compliance with EASA regulations and ATO procedures
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Promote CRM best practices and operational safety
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Participate in instructor standardisation activities
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Collaborate with the training team and Head of Training to ensure consistency and quality
Elevate your career as an SFI
SFI - Flight Instructor in Simulator
The SFI (Synthetic Flight Instructor) course is designed for pilots who wish to become qualified instructors delivering training exclusively in a simulator environment, without the need to perform instructional duties in real-flight operations. This qualification is particularly valued by airlines and training centres operating Full Flight Simulators (FFS).
Recognised by EASA, the SFI course enables candidates to work as instructors in Type Rating, recurrent training, MCC, and other training programmes conducted exclusively within a simulated environment.
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Qualify pilots to deliver simulator-based instruction, focusing on technical training, operational procedures, and performance assessment.
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Develop communication, instructional, and leadership skills for conducting training sessions in a synthetic training environment.
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Promote instructional standardisation and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
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CPL or ATPL license (valid or expired) with relevant experience in the aircraft type
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Minimum of 1,500 flight hours, of which at least 500 hours in the corresponding aircraft type
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Have completed the TRI course (theoretical part), according to EASA FCL.915.SFI
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Preliminary eligibility assessment and interview with the teaching staff
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Theoretical Phase: Instructional techniques, applicable regulations (EASA FCL & Part-ORA), CRM, trainee evaluation, simulator session management
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Practical Phase: Simulator sessions focusing on conducting briefings, practical instruction and debriefings, supervised by a qualified TRI or SFI
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Final Assessment: Observation by an authorized examiner (SFE/TRI)
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Instructors with extensive experience in simulator training and commercial airline operations
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State-of-the-art simulators (FFS Level D), offering realistic and diverse training scenarios
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Flexible training tailored to individual needs
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Strong industry recognition and a high graduate placement rate
Format: In-person, with theoretical and practical sessions in an FFS simulator.
Theoretical Phase – 3 to 5 business days
Includes approximately 25 to 30 hours of classroom training, focused on the following topics:
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Instructional techniques and pedagogy applied to simulator training
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Legislation and applicable regulations (EASA Part-FCL and Part-ORA)
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Trainee performance evaluation
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Simulator session management, briefings and debriefings
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Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles
This phase can be carried out in person or in a blended learning format, depending on the course organization and the Candidate availability. Practical Phase – 5 to 7 working days (variable) Conducted in the corresponding aircraft type FFS (Full Flight Simulator). Includes:
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Supervised practical instruction sessions (minimum of 3 sessions, varying)
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Conducting briefings, executing simulation exercises and debriefings
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Simulations of operational scenarios, technical anomalies and emergency situations
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Observation and evaluation by qualified TRI/SFI
Between 8 and 12 business days, distributed continuously or in stages, according to the candidate’s availability and ATO’s planning.
The SFI (Synthetic Flight Instructor) is responsible for delivering training exclusively in certified flight simulators (FFS or FTD), playing a key role in the technical and procedural training of pilots without conducting instruction in real-flight operations.
Key Responsibilities:
Deliver simulator training sessions as part of:
Type Rating Courses
Recurrent Training
MCC (Multi-Crew Cooperation)
AQS / LOFT (scenario-based operational training)
Conduct comprehensive performance-focused briefings and debriefings
Apply effective instructional techniques adapted to the synthetic training environment
Assess trainees’ technical and behavioural performance in the simulator
Ensure compliance with SOPs and the operational philosophy of the airline or ATO
Work in coordination with TRIs, SFEs (Synthetic Flight Examiners), and other instructors to ensure training consistency
Remain up to date with procedures, regulations, and technological developments related to the relevant aircraft type
Both roles offer excellent career opportunities, both within and outside of airlines.
Type Rating Training at IFA
Successful completion of this course enables candidates to become instructors in multi-pilot aircraft Type Ratings, LPCs, and MCC courses. The following aircraft are available for TRI/SFI in this course:
- ALL
- AIRBUS
- BOEING
- ATR
- EMBRAER
Airbus A320
Type Rating
Airbus A330
Type Rating
Boeing 737
Type Rating
Boeing 757/767
Type Rating
Boeing 777
Type Rating
ATR 500
Type Rating
Embraer 190
Type Rating
Regarding the TRI and SFI professions
Comparative summary:
Responsibilities
Real-world flight training
TRI
SFI
Responsibilities
Simulator training
TRI
SFI
Responsibilities
Briefing/Debriefing
TRI
SFI
Responsibilities
Performance evaluation
TRI
SFI
Responsibilities
Line Training participation
TRI
SFI
Responsibilities
MCC Instruction / Recurrent
TRI
SFI
Responsibilities
Flight with graduating students
TRI
SFI
Responsibilities
TRI
SFI
Real-world flight training
Simulator training
Briefing/Debriefing
Performance evaluation
Line Training participation
MCC Instruction / Recurrent
Flight with graduating students
Professional Scope
TRI
SFI
Training environment
Simulator and real flight
Simulator only
Training you can provide
Type Rating, recurrent training, and aircraft-specific instruction in simulators and/or real aircraft.
Type Rating, recurrent training, MCC, and scenario-based training delivered exclusively in certified simulators.
License required
Valid CPL or ATPL, with recent experience in the field.
Valid or expired CPL or ATPL, with experience in the type
Minimum number of hours (EASA)
Generally ≥ 1,500 hours, with ≥ 30 sectors in the aircraft type.
≥ 1,500 hours in total, with ≥ 500 hours of the type (simulated or real)
Instruction autonomy
Total (can provide instruction in real flight and simulator)
Limited to the synthetic environment
Can you provide in-flight instruction?
Yes
No
Can you conduct skills assessments?
Yes (with additional approval - SFE or TRE)
No
Can participate in line training?
Yes (with company or ATO approval)
No
Professional focus
Active pilots with technical and operational leadership profile
Pilots with a strong technical and instructional profile in a simulated environment
Employability
Highly sought after by airlines and ATOs with their own fleet and SIM's
Highly valued in training centers and initial training programs
Evolution for examiner (SFE/TRE)
Possible, with additional experience and approval from the authority
Possible, after qualification and experience as an SFI
Is restricted certification available?
Yes (TRI(R), with initial supervision)
No