THE AOPA (UK) GROUND INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE
This is a career oriented course designed for suitably qualified
pilots who wish to help fellow pilots understand the theory
of flight and a great deal more. For example, this course can
make an excellent first step in gaining Employment
in the aviation industry, or even setting up your own business
- as many of our graduates have done. The AOPA (UK) Ground Instructor
Certificate Course may also be your first step to becoming a
Class Rating Instructor (CRI) or Flight Instructor (FI). In
some cases funding may also be available - try 'Go
Wales' or Careers
Advice in England.
What is it?
The qualification is aimed at the individual who undertakes
to give instruction in the ground subjects associated with the
JAA PPL or the UK NPPL. The purpose of the certificate is to
improve the status and quality of instruction and training in
the technical subjects for the JAA PPL / UK NPPL. In addition,
it also enables an FI who may have lost their licence to continue
to teach JAA PPL / UK NPPL ground based subjects . The UK CAA
also accept the certificate as credit towards other instructor
qualifications such as the CRI, IRI or FI.
What will I achieve?
At the completion of the course you will be able to confidently
undertake a teaching or instructing role in the following areas:
(a) understand adults needs, behavioural attitudes and be able
to assess their individual levels of education
(b) describe the principles of basic instruction, and be able
to apply them at JAA PPL level
(c) explain the technical subjects as they relate to the JAA
PPL syllabus
(d) discuss flight safety as it is related to the ground instructor's
task
(e) explain the importance of human factors in the application
of theoretical knowledge to flying.
How will I be assessed?
On satisfactory completion of training you must pass a Practical
Ground Instructor Test with a FIC instructor or a FIE (Flight
Instructor Examiner) The contents of the test will include:
(a) A Theoretical Knowledge lesson not exceeding 45 mins given
to the examiner or to other students one of whom will be the
examiner (The subject to be chosen from the JAA PPL syllabus)
(b) An Oral examination covering Teaching and Learning and subjects
from the JAA PPL syllabus.
(c) The Result and applicant de-brief.
(d) There are also a number of assignments to complete in your
own time
References & background reading
AOPA Ground Instructor Certificate Syllabus
AOPA JAR-FCL PPL (A) Syllabus
UK NPPL (A) Syllabus
JAR Instructional Techniques For The Flight Instructor by Halstead,
J & Newton A
FAA Aviation Instructor’s Handbook 2008, H-8083-9
Learning Theories for Teachers by Bigge & Skemis
How much time do I need?
A minimum period of 63 hours of study is required. Normally
this is achieved with 8 half days attendance, plus 2 half day
final assessment progress and review sessions. Other formats
also available including a part-time distance learning programme.
Where does this take place?
At our specialist aviation assessment and Training
centre near Cardiff in South Wales
How much does it cost?
Please contact us for Full
Details , but a lot less than you might
think.
Cambrian
Ground School is a member of the GTi (Aviation) Business Network
