Ground instructor issuance is an administrative action under 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart I. The FAA knowledge test (BGI / AGI / IGI) plus the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) test qualifies you — unless you already hold a CFI, an existing ground instructor cert, or a qualifying teacher's certificate that exempts the FOI under §61.213. No flight time, no checkride. $200 flat. AGI + IGI issued together in one appointment if you have both writtens and FOI in hand.
What is a ground instructor certificate?
A Ground Instructor (GI) certificate authorizes you to provide ground-school training for FAA airman certificates and ratings. Issued under 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart I. There are three privileges:
- BGI — Basic Ground Instructor: ground training for sport, recreational, and private pilot certificates plus the associated written tests
- AGI — Advanced Ground Instructor: all BGI privileges plus commercial, instrument-airplane ground training, and flight reviews under §61.56
- IGI — Instrument Ground Instructor: authority for instrument-rating ground training and instrument proficiency check ground training
Many ground instructors hold multiple privileges (commonly AGI + IGI) — each is issued as a separate certificate.
Eligibility — what you need first
Before booking the appointment, you need:
- FAA knowledge test pass for the privilege you want (BGI, AGI, or IGI). Knowledge test results expire 24 calendar months from the test date.
- Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) knowledge test pass — unless you're FOI-exempt under §61.213 (see below).
- Age 18 or older
- Ability to read, speak, write, and understand English
There is no flight time requirement for ground instructor certificates.
When the FOI is not required
Per 14 CFR 61.213, the FOI is waived if you already hold:
- A current Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate
- An existing ground instructor certificate (so adding a second or third privilege doesn't require re-taking FOI)
- A teacher's certificate issued by a state or local government, or by an accredited educational institution, that authorizes the holder to teach at the 7th grade level or higher
If any of the above applies, bring proof of the qualifying credential to the appointment and the FOI requirement is satisfied.
How the appointment runs
The video appointment is typically 20 minutes:
- Identity verification
- Knowledge test result review
- IACRA application sign-off
- Issuance of temporary ground instructor certificate
The temporary is valid immediately. Permanent plastic certificate arrives in 4–6 weeks.
What you'll need
After contact form submission, you'll receive a Ground Instructor document checklist:
- Government photo ID
- FAA knowledge test result (AKTR — Airman Knowledge Test Report) for the privilege requested (BGI, AGI, and/or IGI)
- FOI knowledge test result — OR proof of FOI-exempt credential (CFI certificate, existing GI certificate, or qualifying teacher's certificate)
- Started IACRA application
- FTN
Timing
Total turnaround: typically 3–5 business days from contact to issued temporary certificate. A minimum of 24 hours advance notice is required for FAA DMS oversight.
Pricing — $200 flat
$200 flat per appointment, regardless of how many ground instructor certificates are issued. AGI and IGI are processed simultaneously in one appointment for one $200 fee if you arrive with both AKTRs plus FOI (or an FOI-exempt credential). No double-billing.
More on pricing → View pricing details
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