Should I get my ground instructor certificate?
MarineGrunt said:
Since I have my CFII, is it even worth doing? I was thinking that it might be another good thing to put on a resume...
I think the answer is a resounding YES.
AutoTransfer is correct. According to
14 CFR 61.193, a CFI that holds the appropriate ratings can teach the same subjects that a ground instructor can teach:
Sec. 61.193 - Flight instructor privileges.
A person who holds a flight instructor certificate is authorized within the limitations of that person's flight instructor certificate and ratings
to give training and endorsements that are required for, and relate to:
(a) A student pilot certificate;
(b) A pilot certificate;
(c) A flight instructor certificate;
(d) A ground instructor certificate;
(e) An aircraft rating;
(f) An instrument rating;
(g) A flight review, operating privilege, or recency of experience requirement of this part;
(h) A practical test; and
(i) A knowledge test.
(emphasis added)
But wait! For you to be able to continue teaching ground school, etc. with your CFI, you have to maintain it. If you let your CFI lapse, you are SOL until you reinstate it. Compare with a ground instructor certificate, which does not expire, so you don't have that problem. I did see in AC 61-65D that a ground instructor requires a current signoff from an appropriately-qualified instructor so he/she can continue teaching. That would be the only currency requirement.
That would mean, in my case, that I, who haven't flown in nearly ten years and whose CFI expired seven years ago, could teach private, commercial and instrument ground school, and give instrument instruction in a ground trainer.
There are quite a few noncurrent and/or nonflying pilots who work at the airlines giving instruction on their ground instructor certificate. That, in and of itself, is a compelling reason, in my $0.02 opinion, to get your ground instructor certificate, notwithstanding the fact that doing so is comparatively painless, especially if you're fresh off your Commercial, FIA, Instrument and FII writtens.
All that aside, a ground instructor certificate is another, good credential that you can display on your resume. I think that's reason enough to get it. Moreover, you said that over the next few years you plan to obtain as many certificates and ratings as possible. Your Ground Instructor certificate should be one such certificate.
Hope that helps (and is persuasive

). Once more, good luck with the writtens.