In order to re- validate an SEP rating by experience, a pilot must do the following in the last 12 months of the rating validity:
- Fly at least 12 hours of which at least 6 must be PiC (the rest could be training)
- Complete 12 take-offs and landings
- Take a 1 hour instructional flight with an instructor
With all these things achieved, an examiner, or the instructor conducting the training flight, can sign up your rating page and sign form SRG 1119E to send to the CAA.
What kind of things should you expect to do on the bi-annual? There is no fixed format. Whatever you choose to do, it is a chance to dust off some little-used skills, gain confidence or learn something new. Instructors love that attitude; we hate the sulking pilot who regards the bi-annual as a chore to be endured to tick the box.
If you have had recent instruction for some other purpose – an IMC rating, Night rating, or differences training, for example – this counts!
Many instructors will want to take you through
- common emergencies stalls, EFATO, PFL and spiral descent recovery
- manoeuvres like a glide approach, steep turns and a bad weather circuit.
Beyond that, you are the customer: choose something of value to you. Maybe…
- crossing busy Controlled Airspace;
- a navigation skills brush-up;
- navigating using a GPS;
- flying an instrument approach; check-out on a different club aircraft.
A couple of the more unusual requests I have had included
- flying the whole lesson from the right-hand seat;
- visiting a challenging, steeply sloping farm-strip;
- some prolonged instrument flying.
Hopefully this will inspire you!