Ground Instructor ?

[Fancy Navigator]

Hello,
Just a question: I heard a guy talking about Ground-rated instructors... Is there such a thing, 'cause I never heard of it before...If yes, what is the route to becoming one? Do they have a special licence?
Thanks for your answers
FN :)

[ariel]

You have to complete the AOPA ground instructor course, (an entrance examination will be required before you commence the course), then take an exam at the end, on which you have to demonstrate required knowledge in all ground subjects, plus give the examiner a long briefing of his/her choice. Afterwards, you will be subject to a 'questions and answers' session.

During the course, you will be expected to give various lectures/briefings on any of the seven PPL subjects.

It's worth mentioning that BEFORE undertaking any of this, in order to become a ground instructor / examiner, you will have to be nominated by an FTO or RTF, then become affiliated to them before applying to the CAA for certification.

AOPA should have a list of establishments carrying out the course; alternatively, some advertise in the back of the popular flying magazines

ariel

[BlueLine]

Whilst the AOPA ground instructor course is aimed at producing PPL instructors trained in a similar manner to Flight Instructors it is not essential, few commercial ground instructors hold such a certificate. The AOPA ground instructor course can be run by any FIC Instructor, and time spent on it can be credited towards the ground elements of a FI(R) course.

Ground instructors conducting commercial training have to have a combination of both teaching and relevant aviation experience; they are then subject to being observed by a CAA inspector, usually during the FTO inspection to give the seal of approval.