Question for AGI/IGIs

[minitour]

I had an offer to do some ground instruction yesterday with an instrument student but his flight instructor wanted me to do some simulator work with him too.

I know I can provide instruction for an IPC, ground school, signoff for a written but I couldn't find where it said I could do simulator work. The flight instructor told me I definitely could, but I still stayed away since I didn't think that was correct. We just went over some ground stuff...procedures, regs, stuff like that...

Anyone? The regs for ground instructors say nothing for flight simulators...just ground instruction.

Also, when I did the "endorsement" in the back of the logbook, I didn't use the #21 endorsement out of AC 61-65D because I didn't think he was "prepared to take the knowledge test" for a number of reasons. All I did was cite the things we went over, names, and signed it with the number. That was my interpretation of 61.215(d) [referencing 61.215(c)(1)]. Did I do okay? I never knew just the endorsement part of instructing would freak me out...just don't wanna d!ck it up for him or me...

Thanks for the help!

-mini

 

[avbug]

Mini,

As an instructor, you can indeed provide training in a flight training device or simulator. You cannot provide flight training without a flight instructor certificate, but you can train all you like with ground trainers.

§ 61.215 Ground instructor privileges.

(b) A person who holds an advanced ground instructor rating is authorized to provide:
(1) Ground training in the aeronautical knowledge areas required for the issuance of any certificate or rating under this part;
(2) Ground training required for any flight review; and
(3) A recommendation for a knowledge test required for the issuance of any certificate under this part.
(c) A person who holds an instrument ground instructor rating is authorized to provide:
(1) Ground training in the aeronautical knowledge areas required for the issuance of an instrument rating under this part;
(2) Ground training required for an instrument proficiency check; and
(3) A recommendation for a knowledge test required for the issuance of an instrument rating under this part.
(d) 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.

Ground training includes FTD or Simulator training, as it's not being conducted in flight.

§ 61.1 Applicability and definitions.
(a) This part prescribes:
(1) The requirements for issuing pilot, flight instructor, and ground instructor certificates and ratings; the conditions under which those certificates and ratings are necessary; and the privileges and limitations of those certificates and ratings.
(2) Authorized instructor means -
(i) A person who holds a valid ground instructor certificate issued under part 61 or part 143 of this chapter when conducting ground training in accordance with the privileges and limitations of his or her ground instructor certificate;

As a ground instructor providing ground instruction you are an authorized instructor.

If you'll view the instrument training requirements for various certificates and the instrument rating, you'll find that where FTD or simulator training is allowable, it must be provided by an "authorized instructor." If you hold a ground instructor certificate with an instrument rating ("IGI"), then you are that authorized instructor.

From the ubiquitous FAQ on Part 61, we read read the following:

61.215 Ground instructor privileges
QUESTION: I have a question concerning Ground Instructor Privileges. I hold a Ground Instructor Certificate with an Advanced and Instrument ratings. My question is:
As a Ground Instructor with an Advanced and Instrument ratings on my Ground Instructor Certificate, may I give the instrument training to an applicant for an Instrument – Airplane rating in a flight simulator (FS)/flight training device (FTD)?
ANSWER: Ref. § 61.215(b) and (c); Yes, a person who holds either an Advanced rating or an Instrument rating on their Ground Instructor Certificate, may give instrument training in a FS/FTD to an applicant for an Instrument – Airplane rating.
As per § 61.215(b)(1), a holder of a Ground Instructor Certificate with an Advanced rating is authorized to give "Ground training in the aeronautical knowledge areas required for the issuance of any certificate or rating under this part." And ground training is defined in § 61.1(b)(8) as meaning ". . . that training, other than flight training, received from an authorized instructor." Flight training is defined in § 61.1(b)(8) as meaning ". . . that training, other than ground training, received from an authorized instructor in flight in an aircraft." [Emphasis added "in an aircraft"] So, ground training would include training in a flight simulator/flight training device.
As per § 61.215(c)(1), a holder of a Ground Instructor Certificate with an Instrument rating is authorized to give "Ground training in the aeronautical knowledge areas required for the issuance of an instrument rating under this part. And again, ground training is defined in § 61.1(b)(8) as meaning ". . . that training, other than flight training, received from an authorized instructor." Flight training is defined in § 61.1(b)(8) as meaning ". . . that training, other than ground training, received from an authorized instructor in flight in an aircraft." [Emphasis added "in an aircraft"] So, ground training would include training in a flight simulator/flight training device.

As far as endorsing a student for instruction given, there's no need for a formal or canned endorsement. If you work for an hour and instruct in turns, level flight, slow flight, and stalls, then say as much on a regular line entry in the logbook, note that it was given in a FTD or simulator, sign and date it, put your certificate number next to that, and you're done. The endorsement in that case is merely your signing your name to the fact that you've provided the training described, and that's all there is to it.

 

[minitour]

Awesome! Thanks for the help!

-mini

 

[Metro752]

Well how does one go about getting the AGI/IGI ?

 

[EatSleepFly]

1.) Take the FOI test (no endorsement necessary)
2.) Take the AGI/IGI/BGI test (whichever you want, no endorsement needed)
3.) Fill out an 8710 checking the appropriate box (no need to fill in the flight time grid)
4.) Take it to your local FSDO and leave with your ground instructor cert.

The AGI written comes out of the CFI test bank, but make sure you take the Ground Instructor test. I think it's "GIA".

The IGI comes out of the instrument test bank, again make sure it says ground.

The BGI comes out of the private pilot test bank, no need to take this if you take the AGI.

 

[minitour]

1.) Take the FOI test (no endorsement necessary)
2.) Take the AGI/IGI/BGI test (whichever you want, no endorsement needed)
3.) Fill out an 8710 checking the appropriate box (no need to fill in the flight time grid)
4.) Take it to your local FSDO and leave with your ground instructor cert.

The AGI written comes out of the CFI test bank, but make sure you take the Ground Instructor test. I think it's "GIA".

The IGI comes out of the instrument test bank, again make sure it says ground.

The BGI comes out of the private pilot test bank, no need to take this if you take the AGI.

What he said.

Plus it's really REALLY easy. I spent maybe 4 minutes at the FSDO and 3 of that was talking about my name being spelled wrong on my Pvt-Inst permanent certificate...AGAIN...and how to go about fixing that.

I'd recommend getting the AGI and IGI if you're going to do any of them. At least that way you can teach "anything" (although I'm staying away from gliders, hot air balloons, helicopters, etc since I really don't know anything about them other than "oh that answer is C") plus this lets you get the "Gold Seal" if you otherwise qualify on the CFI certificate.

I mainly got it for the advantage of being able to teach a large number of students in "ground school" and not having to keep a record of what they score on the written test.

If you've got a CFI ticket you obviously don't need to take the FOI over again, but if you don't...don't sweat...about 10 minutes of "practice test" time on the FOI and you'll ace it...the biggest joke of a test I've ever taken.


-mini

 

[HMR]

Mini's giving instruction? I can see it now:

Student: Mr. Mini, What's that thing on the front of the plane that spins round and round?

Mini: "Hold on... (frantically typing question into appropriate FlightInfo forum) I'll have the answer momentarily."