avanti

Can anyone tell me what is required to gain basic ground instructor certification? I am a private pilot. I realize that most folks do instrument then commercial, then CFI...probably skipping CGI altogether. But is it possible to become a C*G*I without going this route? I realize you have to take the FOI exam and the subject test for basic ground instructor, but what are the prereqs for doing that?? Thank you everyone, as always.

planecrazyjenn

Avanti,

FAR 61.213 outlines the basic eligibility requirements. 61.217 tells you about the experience requirements to stay 'current.' I have heard of many people using the ground instructor ratings to pay for their flight training. Definitely get your GI. :-D

Once you take the FOI and GI (IGI or AGI - whichever your going for) take it to the FSDO. They'll do it, and often DPE's will take care of it for you. My best advice would be to take the ground instructor written the same time you take the written for the rating your working on...because it's pretty much the same test. i.e. - take the instrument, IGI, and even the CFII at the same time. You'll see some of the same questions on all three...of course, make sure you can get your CFII within 24 months. Would hate to see you waste 90 bucks or so if it expires.

Many people will tell you getting the ground instructor ratings is a waste. Personally, I feel the opposite. One of the best ways to learn about flying, is to explain it to others...whether in a ground school setting, or if your pointing to a blank wall talking to the couch. When you can verbally explain something, it'll make more sense then just reading it. The FOI will help teach you about the different learning styles. And also, having the GI's will allow you to go for your Gold Seal should you choose to do so.

Hope this helps some.
Cat

rickair7777

It's possible, but ther's probably no point unless you have a job lined up as a GI.

The FAA written tests are not really great learning tools, so you may not gain a lot of additional knowledge by taking them.

If you are going to get yout CFI someday you will have to re-hash all that stuff anyway for the oral part.

avanti

planecrazyjenn and rickair,

I just wanted to thank you for responding to my question about ground instructor ratings. Yes, I am considering getting this rating in order to help pay for my own flight training, and I do have a job lined up if I choose to complete the ground instructor rating.

By the way, looking at FAR 61.213, am I right to assume that in order to be an Instrument Ground Instructor, I do not have to be instrument rated in the airplane, nor do I have to have even passed the instrument written? That seems a bit crazy. I am only a private pilot right now, so I am trying to decide whether I should go for simply basic ground instructor or instrument ground instructor as well.

rickair7777

IIRC, you do not need to have any actual instrument ratings or training to be an IGI. I do believe the written test is identical to the instrument written.

planecrazyjenn

Avanti, I replied to your PM before I checked this. Same response. Like rick said you don't need an instrument rating or any formal training...just the FOI and IGI. But I'd absolutely recommend getting your paws on any instrument book you could. Knowledge is power, and the more you know the more confident your students will be that they are getting quality training. The test is identical to the instrument airplane written, with two exceptions...it's 50 questions (v. 60) and could include a question on helicopters. I took the instrument airplane, instrument instructor (also 50), and IGI at the same time...took about 1.5 hours and found that by the time I took the third exam...I had seen half the questions three times.

If you have the job lined up, go for it. It'll give you some extra cash for your own flying. Probably not a lot, but it'll help make the expenses a bit less painful.

burns629

Rather than getting the basic ground instructor, I would make sure to get the Advanced Ground Instructor. Same tests, only difference is the Advanced has 10 additional questions in the question bank. Why settle for basic when you can spend the same 90 bucks and walk away with the advanced?