AOPA (UK) Ground Instructor Certificate (GIC) is a qualification available to anyone who wants to give instruction in the ground subjects associated with the LAPL, PPL or NPPL

Introduction

It is a qualification attainable by an individual who undertakes to give instruction in the ground subjects associated with the LAPL/PPL. The purpose of the certificate is to improve the status and quality of instruction and training in the technical subjects for the LAPL/PPL. In addition, it would allow an instructor who may have lost his licence to continue to teach LAPL/PPL subjects on the ground

It is not an EASA recognised instructor certitfcate and can not be used as a credit towards an EASA instructor certificate

The introduction of LAPL/PPL e-Exams by the UK CAA has exposed a lack of suitably qualified and experienced personnel to manage and invigilate the e-Exam system at DTOs/ATOs.The UK CAA requires that all such suitably qualified and experienced personnel hold a Ground Examiner (GR) certificate. UK CAA Standards Document 11 states that a GR (Aeroplanes) examiner is required to hold or have held either a UK or Part-FCL Flight Instructor Certificate (Aeroplanes) or an AOPA (UK) Ground Instructor Certificate (GIC)

AOPA (UK) GIC requirements have now been revised and simplified; the UK CAA has fully supported the decision and has confirmed that the revised version of the AOPA (UK) GIC will facilitate the provision of suitably qualified experienced personnel who meet EASA requirements for Theoretical Knowledge instructors and the UK CAA requirements for the issue of a GR (Aeroplanes) examiner certificate

Part FCL Theoretical Knowledge Instructors

Aircrew Regulation ORA.ATO.110(c) and DTO.GEN.210(d) both require that Theoretical Knowledge instructors shall have either:

# A practical background in aviation in the areas relevant for the training provided and to have undergone a course of training instructional techniques

OR

# Previous experience in giving theoretical knowledge instruction and an appropriate theoretical background in the subject on which they will provide theoretical knowledge instruction

The revised AOPA (UK) GIC course meets the first option by requiring the AOPA (UK) GIC course to be conducted at an AOPA (UK) Corporate ATO by an FI holding FCL.905.FI(j) privileges (an FIC instructor)

Pre-Entry Requirements

(a) Have attained the age of at least 18 years

(b) Hold or have held at least a LAPL(A) or PPL(A) with SEP or TMG Class Ratings

Aim

The aim of the AOPA (UK) Ground Instructor Course is to give adequate training to the candidate in teaching and learning, to confirm that they hold a standard of theoretical knowledge adequate for the provision of ground instruction for the LAPL(A) or PPL(A) theoretical knowledge examination subjects and to meet the prerequisites for Ground Examiner (Aeroplanes) certificate

Objectives

The candidate must be able:

(a) To explain the importance of human factors in the application of theoretical knowledge to flying

(b) To understand adults needs, their behavioural attitudes and be able to assess their variable levels of education

(c) To explain the technical subjects as per the LAPL/PPL syllabus

(d) To decribe the principles of basic instruction and be able to apply them at LAPL/PPL level

(e) To discuss flight safety as it is related to the ground instructor's task

Course Description

The revised AOPA (UK) GIC course shall be conducted at an AOPA (UK) Corporate ATO by an FI holding FCL.905.FI(j) privileges (an FIC instructor). It will consist of lectures, tutorials and directed private study. The course may be attended full or part time

Training

The specific content of the course will be entirely left to the discretion of the ATO, but shall include:

Teaching and Learning

This may be based on elements of the FI/CRI teaching and learning training, but no specific minimum training hours are mandated as the course should be entirely competence-based. The following topics, which are already required for other instructor courses, must be included:

# Preparation of resources

# Creation of a climate conducive to learning

# Presentation of knowledge

# Management of time to achieve training objectives

# Facilitation of learning

# Assessment of trainee performance

# Monitoring and review of progress

# Evaluation of training sessions

# Reporting of outcomes

Technical Knowledge

The AOPA (UK) GIC course shall include assessment and any necessary refresher training for the candidate to demonstrate a sound level of technical knowledge in all theoretical subjects included in the LAPL/PPL syllabus. This may be achieved through continuous assessment, with emphasis placed on the candidate's ability to impart such knowledge to LAPL/PPL student

During the course the candidate will practise giving ground lectures in the above subjects from the LAPL/PPL syllabus to other students or the FI with FCL.905.FI(j) privileges (FIC instructor) giving the course

Final Assessment of Competence

The AOPA (UK) GIC candidate shall demonstrate competency to the ATO Head of Training in the preparation and delivery of a lecture on a topic selected from the LAPL/PPL Theoretical Knowledge syllabus. The candidate shall also demonstrate ability to explain selected theoretical knowledge topics to an FI with FCL.905.FI(j) privileges (FIC instructor)

Administration

Upon successful completion of the AOPA (UK) GIC course, candidates must;

# Forward a copy of their Course Completion Certificate to the AOPA (UK) Office for the issue of the AOPA (UK) Ground Instructor Certificate, for which there will be an administration fee

# Candidates who are not members of AOPA (UK) will be offered membership at a discounted rate

# AOPA (UK) GIC holders should subsequently seek sponsorship from an ATO/DTO before applying to the UK CAA for GR examiner certifcate (a fee payable to the UK CAA, complete SRG1128A form)

Validty

The AOPA (UK) GIC will remain valid provided GR examiner certificate remains valid. A GR examiner certificate is valid for 3 years

Note: A GR Examiner certifcate revalidation/renewal is a paperwork exercise requiring payment of a fee to the UK CAA, completion of SRG1128A form and sponsorship from an ATO/DTO

Revalidation Option

Within the 3 year period of validity from the end of the month of original issue, attend an AOPA (UK) Instructor Refresher Seminar

Ground Examiners (GR)

A GR Examiner shall be sponsored by an ATO or DTO

A GR Examiner certificate granted to AOPA (UK) GIC holders by the UK CAA will be valid for 3 years and will permit the GR Examiner to manage, invigilate and debrief UK CAA theoretical knowledge examinations for the LAPL and PPL

Specific requirements, including those pertaining to examination security and regulations applying to examination candidates shall be in accordance with UK CAA Standards Document 11

References

PPL(A) Syllabus
LAPL(A) Syllabus
UK CAA Standards Document 11
Instructor Manual (Part FCL edition)