Wondering what to do while grounded
 

Hi Everyone,

I'd like to start by saying thanks to all our forum regulars for making this the best site for discussing anything GA related.

I see from my logbook that it is almost 2 years since I was PIC.
Furthermore, I will have to wait another 6-8 months before attempting to get my medical cert back (according to the professionals).

In the interim I came here to Private Flying for advice and I have been running scenic flights of the capital city quite successfully for the last year.

(scenic flights are conducted by the school, I simply sell more tickets than them online).

I am however becoming bored with being a dead head up front on the tourist flights.

So it is back to our valued forum once more.

I would ideally like to give something back as well as stay within aviation while I await my medical.
I was thinking that I would like to teach some ground school , possibly a fantasy , but it is something I would like to do.

Would anyone have any idea if a civvie can teach ground classes in our flight school ? I see no reason not to.

(I would prefer to ask here before mentioning it at the club.)

Has anyone done this before and secondly how did you enjoy teaching ?

Any advice appreciated and thanks for taking the time to read.

Safe Skies,
Fionn

In the FAA realm you can teach ground school with a Ground Instructor certificate (with appropriate ratings). Said certificate doesn't require a medical. EASA probably has some similar provision.

Air Cadet Squadrons are always on the look-out for a wide range of experienced Civilian Instructors. They don't necessarily have to have any aviation background but in your case you would be a gem for the nearest Sqn.

A DBS check, a couple of hours a week and you will certainly be putting "something back".

:ok:

Does the Republic have Air Cadet Squadrons?

Would your local regulations and particular medical condition let you fly microlights or gliders?

I'mean unaware of any EASA rule that would prevent you from teaching groundschool either, but definitely check with IAA - there's no such thing, really, as European standardisation.

G

Good point, well presented.

I read Fionn's post and the bit about "around the capital" thus making the assumption it was a London area request.

Schoolboy error on my part. :ok:

Grounded? think again!
 

There is flying in the REPUBLIC OF IRELAND! Even gliding clubs exist, in Dublin, for example. Check it out!

Every year glider pilots from Eire, and Northern Ireland, and England and Scotland for that matter, meet for the September Safari on the Dingle peninsula, which has long strips of white sand on both sides of a line of splendid mountains that reach to the Atlantic. We use the best into wind beach for the day, use a car pulling a very very long rope that launches the glider against the hill, and the wind does the rest....flights well over 5 hours can result!

If you actually are fortunate enough to live in Ireland, not very far to travel.

The natives are friendly. Just watch out for the incoming tide....

Mary Meagher

Thank you all for taking the time to reply , greatly appreciated.

I do get to fly quite a lot , but usually as Pax\Dead Head on our scenic tours.

@ Mary Meagher : I have been to the Dublin Glider Club and flown with the very talented Cecilly. At the next big meetup I'll bring my Kindle and some tipp-ex so you can autograph your book for me. A very entertaining read :-)

@Satco: don't be too hard on yourself, I have been 'unsure of my position' for longer than it takes to fly to London, so please, do keep a good eye out.

@Amadis : (Don Quixote ?) Thank you , this is exactly the steer I require , I have contacted my friend in the Irish Aviation Authority about my requirements for teaching in ground class. She said I must be working with a registered ATO and she will double check any other required items.

@Genghis : Cheers , I wanted to teach some ground classes and give something back at my local club. I contacted the IAA and am awaiting reply.
Your suggestion of flying microlights is quite a good one. I do require a safety pilot, and this way would be quite cost-effective.

Have a Great Day,
Fionn

No. Why? I've no idea. But suspect it's government budgets and other spending priorities.

I was responding to a suggestion in an earlier post.