Instructor Certificates

Introduction:

  • Pilots must maintain currency depending on the operation they will be performing

Ground Instructor:

  • Ground instructor certificates come in three variations:

  • Basic Ground Instructor:

    • A person who holds a basic ground instructor rating is authorized to provide:
      • Ground training in the aeronautical knowledge areas required for the issuance of a sport pilot certificate, recreational pilot certificate, private pilot certificate, or associated ratings under this part;
      • Ground training required for a sport pilot, recreational pilot, and private pilot flight review; and
      • A recommendation for a knowledge test required for the issuance of a sport pilot certificate, recreational pilot certificate, or private pilot certificate under this part

  • Advanced Ground Instructor:

    • A person who holds an advanced ground instructor rating is authorized to provide:
      • Ground training on the aeronautical knowledge areas required for the issuance of any certificate or rating under this part except for the aeronautical knowledge areas required for an instrument rating
      • The ground training required for any flight review except for the training required for an instrument rating
      • A recommendation for a knowledge test required for the issuance of any certificate or rating under this part except for an instrument rating

  • Instrument Ground Instructor:

    • A person who holds an instrument ground instructor rating is authorized to provide:
      • Ground training in the aeronautical knowledge areas required for the issuance of an instrument rating under this part;
      • Ground training required for an instrument proficiency check; and
      • A recommendation for a knowledge test required for the issuance of an instrument rating under this part
  • A person who holds a ground instructor certificate is authorized, within the limitations of the ratings on the ground instructor certificate, to endorse the logbook or other training record of a person to whom the holder has provided the training or recommendation specified in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section

    • Instructor Certificate Eligibility Requirements:

    • Basic Requirements:

      • To be eligible for any ground instructor certificate or rating a person must:
        • Be at least 18 years of age;
        • Be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that applicant's ground instructor certificate as are necessary;
        • Pass a knowledge test on the Fundamentals of Instructing in
          • The learning process;
          • Elements of effective teaching;
          • Student evaluation and testing;
          • Course development;
          • Lesson planning; and
          • Classroom training techniques

    • Testing Requirements:

      • With exception, see below, pass a knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas in:
        • For a basic ground instructor rating 61.97, 61.105, and 61.309;
        • For an advanced ground instructor rating 61.97, 61.105, 61.125, 61.155, and 61.309; and
        • For an instrument ground instructor rating, 61.65
      • The FOI knowledge test is not required if the applicant:
        • Holds a ground instructor certificate or flight instructor certificate issued under part 61;
        • Holds a teacher's certificate issued by a State, county, city, or municipality that authorizes 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

    Recent experience requirements:

    • Ground Instructor Recency Requirements:

      • The holder of a ground instructor certificate may not perform the duties of a ground instructor unless the person can show that one of the following occurred during the preceding 12 calendar months:
        • Employment or activity as a ground instructor giving pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor training;
        • Employment or activity as a flight instructor giving pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor ground or flight training;
        • Completion of an approved flight instructor refresher course and receipt of a graduation certificate for that course; or
        • An endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the person has demonstrated knowledge in the subject areas prescribed under 61.213(a)(3) and (a)(4) [See: Eligibility Requirements], as appropriate

    • Flight Instructor Certificates

      • The holder of an expired flight instructor certificate who has not complied with the flight instructor renewal requirements of 61.197 may reinstate that flight instructor certificate and ratings by filing a completed and signed application with the FAA and satisfactorily completing one of the following reinstatement requirements:
        • A flight instructor certification practical test, as prescribed by 61.183(h), for one of the ratings held on the expired flight instructor certificate
        • A flight instructor certification practical test for an additional rating

    • Flight Instructor Ratings

      • A flight instructor rating or a limited flight instructor rating on a pilot certificate is no longer valid and may not be exchanged for a similar rating or a flight instructor certificate
      • The holder of a flight instructor rating or a limited flight instructor rating on a pilot certificate may be issued a flight instructor certificate with the current ratings, but only if the person passes the required knowledge and practical test prescribed in this subpart for the issuance of the current flight instructor certificate and rating

    Flight Instructor Refresher Courses:

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