Ground Instructor Certificates

ROSWELL41

ROSWELL41

New Member
Correct me if I am wrong: Once you pass the FOI and the appropriate Ground Instructor test (IGI, AGI), all you have to do is go to your local FSDO and they will issue you your certificate. Also does the ground instructor certificate go on your license or your do you get a separate certificate (like CFI).
 
You are correct on all counts. If you have a CFI already or meet one of the other requirements listed for FOI exemption, then you do not need to take it...but otherwise you're correct. The CGI is a separate certificate with its own ratings on it.
 
Are the Ground Instructor Certificates worthy of getting right off the bat. I'm planning on taking my CFI written within the week-- should I do the second AGI test too? Is it worth the 80-90 dollars?
 
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Are the Ground Instructor Certificates worthy of getting right off the bat. I'm planning on taking my CFI written within the week-- should I do the second AGI test too? Is it worth the 80-90 dollars?

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Once you have your AGI or IGI in tandem with 8 successful passoff's out of ten studs, you can become a Gold Seal instructor. It doesn't really make you anything more but I think it is a small resume builder. See AC 61-65

If you pass the AGI, yes, you only need to take those exam results to the FSDO and you recieve an entirely different license.
 
8 of 10 successfully pass their writtens and you can become a Gold Seal instructor? Is that any different than a CFI becoming a Gold Seal Instructor?
 
No, you have to be a CFI, recommend at least 10 students for a checkride, and have at least an 80% pass rate, and have a ground instructor certificate to qualify for the gold seal CFI.
 
This could start a big debate as it has done for me in the past, but I don't think you need to take an IGI if you have passed the AGI to give instrument ground instruction. Some debate that there aren't any instrument related questions on the AGI test, but from what I (and others) could translate from the regs, the AGI encompasses all of the above.

I would like to know for sure, so I welcome anyone to prove either way.
 
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Beyond the gold seal instructor, is there anything else the ground certificates get you?


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Not really.
 
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I would like to know for sure, so I welcome anyone to prove either way.

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I think it may have been I that debated this with you before.

I agree that the regs say that if you have an AGI you can give training in the "aeronautical knowledge areas required for the issuance of any certificate OR RATING under this part;" [61.215(b)(1)]

but personally, I think thats a typo or something because check out the wording of 61.215(b):

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"A person who holds an advanced ground instructor rating is authorized to provide...:

<snip>

(3) A recommendation for a knowledge test required for the issuance of any certificate under this part."

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Notice that it doesn't say "certificate OR rating". That leads me to believe that an AGI cannot sign someone off for an instrument written- as the instrument is a rating, not a certificate.

Its the FAA...who knows...
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Well, that is something that I didn't catch before (subpart 3). I called AOPA and they say yes, you can give instrument ground instruction and give a recommendation for an instrument knowledge test. I also called the local FSDO, but the inspectors were out to lunch (when aren't they?
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I guess this is a confusing subject which no one seems to have real clear answer since the AOPA is planning on calling me back after he double checks his sources and peers. I guess this question was in their FAQ database and the answer was a definite yes, but the wording for subpart 3 was different at the time the question was asked. The guy I talked to at AOPA said he thought it might be a typo since it wouldn't make any sense to give the ground instruction and not be able to sign the student off.

I am interested in seeing what the local FSDO says, but the way it is worded right now, I think legally you could give the instruction but not sign students off.
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I also called the local FSDO, but the inspectors were out to lunch (when aren't they? )

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Haha...no kidding. Seems like every time I call, I only get to speak to the receptionist. Its like trying to talk to the man behind the curtain.

Anyways, let me know what you find out. I'm interested to see which part is the typo (or if neither are, and its the standard FAA gray area).
 
Okay, the DSM FSDO just called me back and said yes, without a doubt an AGI can give instruction and sign off a student for an instrument written knowledge test. I asked about the wording and he said it is a little shady, but he was absolutely certain that it is legal.

I am just wondering that if the FAA got a wild hair up their ass, as they sometimes do, would they be able to sink someone on this if they really felt like it. As I explained to both the FAA and the AOPA, it wouldn't be that big of a deal to take the test and cover your bases, but I don't want to spend the extra money on the IGI if it isn't necessary.
 
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Okay, the DSM FSDO just called me back and said yes, without a doubt an AGI can give instruction and sign off a student for an instrument written knowledge test. I asked about the wording and he said it is a little shady, but he was absolutely certain that it is legal.

I am just wondering that if the FAA got a wild hair up their ass, as they sometimes do, would they be able to sink someone on this if they really felt like it. As I explained to both the FAA and the AOPA, it wouldn't be that big of a deal to take the test and cover your bases, but I don't want to spend the extra money on the IGI if it isn't necessary.

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Not that I'm disagreeing with you...but I would bet that you could find another inspector at another FSDO who woud say, "no, absolutely not, you MUST have an IGI to teach IFR stuff".

Ten inspectors, ten questions, eleven different answers...you know how it goes.
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Ah well...I need not worry. My bases are covered...
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I am sure you are right. So let's put it to the test. Some of you call your local FSDO and find out. It doesn't take that long and it would be interesting to see how many different answers are out there from the same organization.

This has happened to me before with another question I had a few years ago. I got different answers from everyone I talked to, including the FSDO.
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