How do I become a ground instructor?
Rob wrote me and asked, in essense, “What do I have to do to become a ground instructor?”
Maybe it’s the economy and people are looking to utilize their skills sets but I am glad that so many people are thinking about instructing! Whether it is ground or flight instruction, general aviation needs you!
First off, there are three levels of a ground instructor certificate. (You can reference 14 CFR 61.215)
1) Basic (BGI)– A basic ground instructor can provide the required knowledge training for a sport pilot, recreational or private pilot. You can also accomplish the knowledge portion of the flight review test and recommend someone to take the knowledge tests (written) for one of those certificates.
2) Instrument (IGI) – An instrument ground instructor is able to provide the required knowledge training for a pilot applicant seeking a instrument rating. Similarly to the BGI, you are also able to recommend someone for the instrument written exam.
2) Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) – A advanced ground instructor certificate can provide the required knowledge training for any certificate issued under part 61. That means, private, commercial, airline transport pilot, etc.
A ground instructor certificate does not require you to be a pilot or to have any other pilot experience (although it helps). I have had quite a few instructors, both at FlightSafety and at the regional airline I worked at, who were not pilots, but had obtained their AGI. To be honest, they were some of the best ground instructors I have ever had.
If you are a pilot, a ground instructor certificate is a completely separate certificate. It will even be seperate from your flight instructor certificate. A ground instructor certificate has no expiration although you can’t instruct unless within the precedding 12 months you have served as a ground instructor for 3 months or you receive an endorsement from another ground instructor or CFI that you are proficient (14 CFR 61.217).
In order to become a ground instructor you have to take the FOI (fundamentals of instruction) written test and the appropriate knowledge test either BGI, IGI, or AGI. No oral exam is required! The best way to prepare for the knowledge test is to use a study guide like the one provided by Gleim:
Gleim Flight/Ground Instructor Written Exam Guide – The easiest, fastest, and least expensive means of passing the FAA Flight Instructor – Airplane (FIA) knowledge test
Once you pass the test(s), you can walk into your local FSDO (with an appointment), present your completed FOI and knowledge tests and walk out with a temporary airmen certificate for either a BGI, IGI or AGI. That’s it!
Good luck with your FOI and AGI tests and have fun instructing and teach your students to always…
Fly Safe!
Bill Chambers on Feb 22, 2009
This is a question I had also. Good info.
After reviewing the FAR it appears all that is required to be an Instrument Ground Instructor is to have an Instrument Rating and pass a knowledge test on the fundementals of instructing.? Is this correct?
Bill Poindexter on Mar 19, 2009
So do you have to take the BGI first or can you just take the AGI? It appears that you can just take the AGI?
Also if you get your AGI do you have to take the written again if you want to become a Flight Instructor or does the AGI count for that as well?
Eric on Mar 19, 2009
Bill C – You need to take the IGI exam as well, and an instrument rating is not required. However, if you do have your instrument rating, the IGI exam is extremely straightforward and quite easy.
Bill P – You can jump right into the AGI or IGI without taking the BGI. The FOI exam is only required once, whether you start with a ground or flight instructor rating. There is a different written exam for flight instructor ratings. To be an AGI and a CFI, you would take the Fundamentals of Instructing exam, then the AGI exam, and then the CFI (Airplane) exam prior to your practical.
DMarcusD on Mar 24, 2009
AGI vs IGI; Does the AGI covers also the IGI priviliges, eg. sign one off for ifr theoretical exam preparation or teach ifr theoretical topics? On any AGI id-card I saw, no ratings are added; even if the AGI holds an instrument rating on his pilot certificate.
Vincent on Mar 26, 2009
This article was really interesting. Thanks
I still have one more question: does the IGI include also the BGI? In essence, if i want to teach ground instruction for private certificate and instrument, do i need both BGI(or AGI) and IGI? (take 2 exams)
Paul on Apr 23, 2009
If I’m working towards a CFI, CFII & MEI is there any benefit to also getting an AGI and IGI?
Thanks,
Eric on Apr 28, 2009
Vincent, the IGI is a separate rating from the BGI. An AGI will include both the IGI and BGI, but you’ll also need to study topics on rotorcraft and lighter-than-air vehicles.
Paul, if you anticipate that you’ll be a successful instructor and pass 80% of 10 INITIAL (student’s first attempt) signoffs, you’ll need either your AGI or your IGI in order to qualify for the FAA’s Gold Seal Flight Instructor certificate.
Ron on May 21, 2009
I already hold a BGI. Can I just take the AGI test without the FOI or anything else?
Tony on Jun 25, 2009
If I’ve just received my initial AGI certificate do I still need an instructor endorsement to begin teaching? Or am I considered proficient initially and ready to go?
Thanks,
Tony
Paul on Jun 25, 2009
Hi Tony. Congrats! If you have your AGI, you can start teaching material applicable to the licenses that you hold. There is no other endorsement you need from an instructor.
Sashank on Jul 20, 2009
I hold a commercial license.Do i have to give the FOI written test before taking the AGI test?
Paul on Jul 21, 2009
Sashank: Yes, you will need to take the FOI and then the AGI test in order to become an advanced ground instructor. The only exception is if you have a teacher certificate, then you would not need to take the FOI.
Grayson S on Aug 04, 2009
I currently have my Private SEL and Instrument ratings. I plan to take the FOI and then the AGI. As I understand it, I can then provide instruction and knowledge test sign-offs for ANY certificate or rating.
Also, is there a Gold Seal certificate for ground instructors?
Thanks for your help.
mohamed jiwa on Aug 11, 2009
i need some info. does the agi test contain any questions on balloon/airship/helicopter etc ??
thanks
Jeff on Aug 30, 2009
I was reviewing the requirements of becoming a ground instructor and it appears it requires a teaching certificate. Most states I think require a degree for a teaching certificate. So do ground instructors need a teaching certificate or not? and if so why?
jp
Paul on Aug 31, 2009
Hi Jeff. No, you do not need a teaching certificate in order to become a ground instructor. The only mention of a teaching certificate is in 14 CFR 61.213(b) which allows persons with either a
Ground instructor certificate or flight instructor certificate
A current teacher’s certificate issued by a State, county, city, or municipality that allows the person to teach at an educational level of the 7th grade or higher; or
Is employed as a teacher at an accredited college or university.
If someone meets one of those requirements, then they are not required to pass a test on the fundamentals of instructing (FOI). They will still have to take the required knowledge test (AGI, BGI, etc) but not the FOI.
a teachng certificate to bypass the requirements for the FOI test only.
Ryan M. on Oct 02, 2009
Hi, good article…
I am an airline pilot looking to make some extra on the side. My CFI is expired but I only want to run some monthly ground schools. I know I will need to take the AGI exam but will I have to take the FOI again? Thanks for the reply!
NCRonB on Oct 18, 2009
Note that as of October 20, 2009, the regs are amended to explicitly exclude instrument rating training from the privileges of the AGI. The means you’ll need an IGI to provide ground instruction for an instrument rating, whether you have an AGI or not.
PDL on Nov 09, 2009
After reading the Q & A’s above, my only 2 question are:
1) Can you recommend or suggest where to go and take the AGI test in south Fl; (KFLL or KMIA area)
2) and if you hold a dispatcher certificate does that help in any way for the AGI certificate?
av8erPrince on Nov 24, 2009
Hi Paul, great article. As a matter of fact, I read another one – 10 reasons why one should a ground instructor certificate along with, or even before getting the CFI certificate. Here is the link to the article: http://cfiacademy.com/courses/cfi-initial/why-should-i-get-ground-instructor-cert-along-with-cfi-certificate/
Once again, excellent information and looking forward to more.
Chris on Dec 06, 2009
I am a CFI CFII MEI and i have a pass rate of 11out of 13. i want to get my agi so that i can get my gold seal. my question is the agi test just the FIA test again with a couple questions about rotor crafts. or is there another test i need to study before taking the agi? thanks
PDL on Dec 13, 2009
Can somebody out there recommend a school in the Ft. lauderdale area, where one can take the AGI (FOI included) and the associated FAA test?
Any information is appreciated.
Bradley on Dec 18, 2009
PDL,
Check AOPA at http://www.aopa.org/info/certified/cats.html
There are two places in Ft. Lauderdale that I can find.
A.T.P., Inc. (FLL)
1100 Lee Wagener Blvd Ste 100
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
Phone: 800 255 2877 800 255 2877
Fax: 954-359-6001
Website: http://www.allatps.com
and
A.T.P., Inc-FXE
2011 S. Perimeter Rd Ste I
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: 800 255-2877 800 255-2877
Fax: 954 491 7721
Nick Pukalo on Apr 07, 2010
Hi Paul,
I have a question. Many years ago when I aspired to make aviation my career I trained for and received a commercial pilot certificate, sel, mel and instrument ratings. I also took the opportunity to take the exams and received the Ground Instructor/Advanced/Instrument certificate.
My question is, do I need a sign off from a CFI to exercise the privileges of the AGI or can I even now after fifteen years of inactivity begin teaching and what levels can I teach? ie. private, commercial, instrument? Just curious. Thanks.
Nick
Reynaldo Lopez on Apr 14, 2010
Ihave a question… What exam and book is for become a HELICOPTER Ground instructor?????
Scott on May 16, 2010
This is a great thread. I am working on my private pilot single engine land airplane. I’ve been doing a self-study ground, and ask my CFIs for help when needed. I want to have my study path take me to at least be CFI (or CFII).
I was wondering if there was a way to take BGI without having to test the PAR. I mean, BGI does not require PAR to take it. But with BGI (and FOI) you can teach for PAR – they seem to have the same knowledge requirements.
I used to teach college level courses, so I’m not concerned about the FOI study requirements. But, I understand that would be a requirements. In theory, I know I could pass FOI + BGI, so then I could authorize myself to take the PAR?
Can I save the money of testing the PAR (I mean, that is roughly 1 more hour I can spend in the air).
SO, question is, if I study ground harder could I just get the BGI and use that for my proof of passing the written requirement before my checkride?
Would love to hear what people think about this idea.
Thanks for the great site and postings.
Sameer on Jun 04, 2010
Do i have to be a pilot in order to be a ground instructor
thank you.
jason on Jun 09, 2010
I am currently studying for the AGI using the gleim book. Do I need to study the flight/ground instructor book, AND the instrument written test book… or is the flight/ground instructor book all inclusive?
Paul on Jun 09, 2010
I Sameer. You do not need to be a pilot in order to be a ground instructor. For more information, please read FAR § 61.213 which discusses the requirements to become a ground instructor:
Link:FAR Subpart I – Ground Instructors
Lloyd on Sep 04, 2010
Dear Sir:
I am a retired person at age (66) and during research on an aviation occupation I want to do. Altough, I have not talked to any one in the area of interest; I am having problems trying to find a training school in (California) that trains a person for FAA certification in this area. Several attemps have been made on-line for school that trains for (GROUND INSTRUCTORS ONLY). A school that will train a person for (BASIC, ADVANCED, and INSTRUMENT) ground instructor certification. Please e-mail to me a list of schools in the state of California that offer this training.
Thank you,
Lloyd
greg greene on Sep 05, 2010
My FSDO told me that even though I had just passed my FOI and IGI tests, I could not just start teaching. He said I needed a CFI or another IGI to sign me off. He said the 12 month kicks now.
In other words, if I were teaching and he looked to see if I had been teaching or had been signed off, I would fail to meet the requirement. So, this means you have to get the CFI sign off to be leagle.
craig peterson on Oct 12, 2010
I have passed my FOI plus BGI and am ready to make an appointment with the local FSDO. I have been hearing rumblings that there maybe some quizzing done at the FSDO. Anyone know if this is happening?
David on Nov 05, 2010
Question: I passed my FOI written exam over 2 years ago. I passed AGI (within 2 years) exam. Soon I will attend a Flight School to get CFI, II, MEI. Do I need to retake the FOI exam?
Paul on Nov 19, 2010
I passed my AGI last December, attended the local FSDO the next day and received my certificate. What do I need to do to keep it current, while there are refresher courses for CFI I don’t see any for ground istructors?
Jeff on Jan 17, 2011
Paul, I used Gleim’s FIRC. There may be others out there, but Gleim specifically calls out ground instructors. http://www.gleim.com/aviation/firc3/gie-instr.php
Daniel on Mar 17, 2011
I failed my FOI written test. Stupid.
Questions:
1. When can I re-take the test?
2. Can I go ahead and take the Ground/Flight Instructor test in the meantime?
Hope someone can answer me.
Brian on May 05, 2011
50% of the people that take the FOI are failing the test. The FAA has added a whole bunch of new questions. I just took it yesterday and just barely passed it with a 78. None of the self help guide books have the updated questions. Be sure to know the Aviation Instructors Handbook really well as that is where all of the new material is coming from. You can take the tests in any order, and there is no waiting period before you re-take the test. You do however, need to bring the failed test back with you to the re-test with a CFI sign off showing that you have had ground training in the areas that you missed.
Deon van Heerden on Jun 09, 2011
Hi there,
Is the Ground Instructor License internationally recognized?
Egymecheng on Aug 05, 2011
I am looking forward to get AGI and IGI,
I have already passed FII (instrument flight instructor ) written test, can this substitute the IGI written test?
also I had my CFI written test, can this susbtitute the IGI?
Brian on Aug 07, 2011
No, you must also take the IGI. It is pretty much the same test, so If you pass your FII you should do fine on the IGI. I took both on the same day.
Kevin on Oct 02, 2011
What are the specific knowledge test requirements for the Instrument Ground Instructor rating?
14CFR61.213 states, “(a) To be eligible for a ground instructor certificate or rating a person must…(4) Pass a knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas in—…(iii) For an instrument ground instructor rating, §61.65.”
14CFR61.65 states, “(a) General. A person who applies for an instrument rating must…(7) Pass the required knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas of paragraph (b) of this section; however, an applicant is not required to take another knowledge test when that person already holds an instrument rating…”
In my case, I hold a Commercial Pilot certificate with Instrument rating. The way I read the Part 61 requirements, an Instrument rating holder is not required to take an instrument knowledge test for only ground instruction (IGI).
Seems pretty straightforward, but as with all FAA regs, there is always a caveat…
Please advise whether my research (and interpretation) are accurate.
Kevin on Oct 02, 2011
To clarify my request about IGI knowledge testing; I do not see a specific “IGI” test. What test (by FAA exam title) is everyone talking about when they say, “You have to take the IGI…”?
My understanding is, the test that applies to IGI is simply the written instrument rating test, and as such (reference my CFR detailed post), you do not have to take that test if you already have the rating.
Helen on Nov 03, 2011
Can somebody out there recommend a school in the Connecticut area, where one can take the AGI (FOI included) and the associated FAA test?
Any information is appreciated
CaptJordan on Nov 22, 2011
After taking the FOI test, how long can I wait before I take the Ground Instructor test?
Brian on Nov 29, 2011
You don’t have to wait. You can take it the same day if you want.
R.J. on Dec 24, 2011
I’M AN ATP, (W/JET RATINGS CURRENT), ALSO RECENT CFI-CFII-MEI, AND HAVE FOI.CFI.AND CFII PASSED TEST RECENTLY. WHAT DO I NEED TO WALK INTO FISDO WITH TO GET GROUND INSTRUCTOR; ADVANCED AND INSTRUMENT? REASON FOR ASKING, IS THAT MAYBE THE FSDO MADE A MISTAKE WITH A FRIEND OF MINE, WHO WENT IN LAST YEAR, AND THEY ISSUED HIM ONE, WITH EXACTLY MY SAME SITUATION…ALL TESTS LISTED ABOVE PASSED, BUT NOT TAKING “AGI OR IGI,” THANKS FOR HELP.
Jon Robbins on Mar 14, 2012
I also have a question. I have my instrument (current) and I am looking to get my CFI, CFII, and MEI this August. However I also hold a current teaching credential for CA, so I was curious if there were any ratings/licenses I can get with what I currently have. Any advice would be cool.
Gregg Beaty on Apr 22, 2012
Hi Jon,
First, there are a couple of simple things to understand.
The CFI and CFII written exams are essentially the same exam as the AGI and IGI written exams. The only thing extra on the ground instructor exams exam are a few questions on Helo’s.
Yes, you have to pay for all of the exams and take them separately. The best way to do so is to buy the King courses for both your CFI and CFII writtens. They supply the supplement for the Helo stuff on the AGI exam. Start with one, stud like mad and pass with flying colors. Do the same for the other and you are good to go for your writtens.
You will be legally certificated to teach ground school but without some guidence from an experienced instructor, you will probably not be the best suited. The hard work comes when you start your flight and oral prep for the CFI/CFII/MEI. Pick up a book titles “certificated flight instructor preparation guide” by James D. Kelly. follow it to the letter and you will be very well prepared to start your flight training for the CFI.
The II ride is much more straight forward and the MEI is typically a big systems review and a straight forward ride.
Good Luck!
Gregg Beaty, CFI, CFII
Nick Pukalo on May 08, 2012
on Apr 07, 2010
Hi Paul,
I have a question. Many years ago when I aspired to make aviation my career I trained for and received a commercial pilot certificate, sel, mel and instrument ratings. I also took the opportunity to take the exams and received the Ground Instructor/Advanced/Instrument certificate.
My question is, do I need a sign off from a CFI to exercise the privileges of the AGI or can I even now after fifteen years of inactivity begin teaching and what levels can I teach? ie. private, commercial, instrument? Just curious. Thanks.
Nick
Victor on Jul 21, 2012
Great information. I do have a question not covered here.
If I am College certified Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA), will this works in lieu of the FOI? Thanks