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3 Answers

Ground Instructor to Flight Instructor

Asked by: 1489 views Flight Instructor

I am looking at getting a ground instructor license. However, I know in the future I will be wanted to obtain my full CFI and eventually CFII. Does the ground instructor transfer at all? It would make sense to me that and advanced ground instructor would exempt one from the written for CFI and an instrument ground instructor would be exempt from the written for CFII. Of course i have not been able to find anything saying this. Any information would be helpful thanks.

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3 Answers



  1. KDS on Apr 15, 2019

    There are some alternatives to taking and passing the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) test. One of them is to hold a ground instructor certificate.

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  2. Russ Roslewski on Apr 15, 2019

    You haven’t been able to find anything saying that because it isn’t true.

    As KDS alludes to, the only thing having a BGI, AGI, or IGI certificate gives you credit for towards the CFI certificate is the FOI test. Meaning, if you have one of those certificates already, you do not need to retake the FOI test. But you still have to take the “normal” knowledge test for the CFI certificate.

    There are a few other ways to avoid the FOI test (for example if you are a teacher), but no way to avoid the others.

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  3. awair on Apr 18, 2020

    Taking the GI route will only lock-in the validity of the FOI Knowledge Test.

    Taking the AGI & IGI at the same time as FIA & FII Knowledge Tests, adds expense, but the knowledge areas are mostly the same. You will also gain RTC & LTA qualifications! So expect a few questions on those.

    Using the GI qualification will help you significantly when it comes time to the FI Oral. No one can ask an ‘awkward’ question like a real student. This will add to your confidence on the check-ride.

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