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I passed my Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) and Flight Instructor – Airplane (FIA) written tests today (98 and 97 respectively). I proceeded straight from the testing center to the FSDO to be issued my shiny (not really) new Ground Instructor – Advanced Temporary Airman Certificate. After passing FAA checkrides for my various pilot certificates and ratings, the AGI just doesn’t seem to be that big of a deal. But, here’s a scary thought: I can legally teach aviation now. Granted, it’s just ground school, but there’s a lot of material that I’m authorized to impart on others.
According to the FARs I can:
Sec. 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.
So I can legally provide one half of the training required for any pilot certificate or rating except Instrument ratings. That includes rotorcraft, gliders, and blimps. I’ve never even been in a blimp, but I can legal teach ground school for it… Of course, airspace, navigation, and weather are the same regardless of the category and class of aircraft you’re flying, but still. It would seem odd to be giving someone instruction for a balloon pilot’s license when I’ve never been closer than 100 feet to one.
What an odd concept.