PaulB wrote:So does ICAO say that an FI requires CPL TK but not then go to specify what that TK should consist of leaving states to choose their own compliance?
Pretty much. The topics are listed, but the level is not specified, other than in a circular way. FWIW, here's the ICAO requirement (non-aeroplane items deleted):
The applicant shall have demonstrated a level of knowledge appropriate to the privileges granted to the holder of a commercial pilot licence and appropriate to the category of aircraft intended to be included in the licence, in at least the following subjects:
Air lawa) rules and regulations relevant to the holder of a commercial pilot licence; rules of the air; appropriate air traffic services practices and procedures;
Aircraft general knowledge for aeroplanes, airships, helicopters and powered-lifts
b) principles of operation and functioning of engines, systems and instruments;
c) operating limitations of the relevant category of aircraft and engines; relevant operational information from the flight manual or other appropriate document;
d) use and serviceability checks of equipment and systems of appropriate aircraft;
e) maintenance procedures for airframes, systems and engines of appropriate aircraft;
Flight performance, planning and loadingh) effects of loading and mass distribution on aircraft handling, flight characteristics and performance; mass and balance calculations;
i) use and practical application of take-off, landing and other performance data;
j) pre-flight and en-route flight planning appropriate to commercial operations under VFR; preparation and filing of air traffic services flight plans; appropriate air traffic services procedures; altimeter setting procedures;
Human performancel) human performance including principles of threat and error management;
Meteorologym) interpretation and application of aeronautical meteorological reports, charts and forecasts; use of, and procedures for obtaining, meteorological information, pre-flight and in-flight; altimetry;
n) aeronautical meteorology; climatology of relevant areas in respect of the elements having an effect upon aviation; the movement of pressure systems, the structure of fronts, and the origin and characteristics of significant weather phenomena which affect take-off, en-route and landing conditions;
o) causes, recognition and effects of icing; frontal zone penetration procedures; hazardous weather avoidance;
Navigationp) air navigation, including the use of aeronautical charts, instruments and navigation aids; an understanding of the principles and characteristics of appropriate navigation systems; operation of airborne equipment;
Operational proceduresr) application of threat and error management to operational performance;
s) use of aeronautical documentation such as AIP, NOTAM, aeronautical codes and abbreviations;
t) altimeter setting procedures;
u) appropriate precautionary and emergency procedures;
v) operational procedures for carriage of freight; potential hazards associated with dangerous goods;
w) requirements and practices for safety briefing to passengers, including precautions to be observed when embarking and disembarking from aircraft;
Principles of flighty) principles of flight;
Radiotelephonyz) communication procedures and phraseology as applied to VFR operations; action to be taken in case of communication failure.