FIA or AGI?

[GatorFC]

For the initial CFI, I know you have to take two knowledge tests - the FOI and the FIA. However, is the AGI a suitable substitute for the FIA?

[sigpilot]

Although its the same test question bank, you still need the FIA to take the test. Its a good idea to take the AGI because of that reason. Just take the AGI and FOI knowledge test results to your local FSDO and they will issue your AGI certificate. When you go for your CFI practical you wont need to show the examiner your FOI (because you wont have it) just your AGI certificate. Hope this helps

[GatorFC]

Thanks for the answer, sig.

So, just to be clear - for the practical test, an initial CFI examiner will accept:
1. an AGI certificate
or
2. the FOI and FIA knowledge test reports together,

but not
3. the FOI and AGI knowledge test reports together?

[CFIse]

Originally Posted by GatorFC

Thanks for the answer, sig.

So, just to be clear - for the practical test, an initial CFI examiner will accept:
1. an AGI certificate
or
2. the FOI and FIA knowledge test reports together,

but not
3. the FOI and AGI knowledge test reports together?

To be clear - for the practical the examiner wants to see either:
an FOI and an FIA
OR
an AGI CERTIFICATE and an FIA.

You need the FIA either way.

If you bring them an FOI and AGI (knowledge test result) they won't know what to do with them (actually they might, they might issue you an AGI certificate) but without an FIA you ain't taking the practical.

This is all for initial CFIs, addon CFIs are different.

Yes - the AGI and FIA knowledge test are basically the same (the AGI has rotorcraft questions on it, takes Gleims advice, guess, once you get the certificate everybody still calls you doctor, errrr, instructor). So taking them back to back is a good idea, but the knowledge test center still gets their $80 (is it still $80) a pop for each test.

[bLizZuE]

I see no advantage in taking the AGI test.

[CFIse]

Originally Posted by bLizZuE

I see no advantage in taking the AGI test.

Ummmm - if you want to be a ground instructor?

That's like saying I see no advantage in taking the commercial knowledge test - well there is no advantage if you don't want to be a commercial pilot.

Now if your question is why would I want to be a ground instructor - well that's a little harder, a couple of options:
- gives you an aviation job if you lose you medical.
- required to be a gold seal flight instructor.

If your question is why the AGI over the BGI, well why not, neither test is rocket science. If it comes down to that *I* see no advantage in just taking the BGI test.

[GatorFC]

Thanks CFIse

I guess I'll have to take the FIA now. The reason why I started this whole thread is because when I went to take the knowledge test at my school, the proctor set me up for the AGI. I figured he knew what he was doing being a CFI already and didn't question him. I'll have to take that up with him, but no harm no foul since I get reimbursed for these tests anyway through the GI Bill, and now I get to have a shiny green plastic AGI certificate once I submit the paperwork.

One other question, though. As a CFI you are allowed to give ground to your student, but you can't teach a ground school class unless you have an AGI or BGI. Is that correct?

[bLizZuE]

Originally Posted by CFIse

Ummmm - if you want to be a ground instructor?

That's like saying I see no advantage in taking the commercial knowledge test - well there is no advantage if you don't want to be a commercial pilot.

Now if your question is why would I want to be a ground instructor - well that's a little harder, a couple of options:
- gives you an aviation job if you lose you medical.
- required to be a gold seal flight instructor.

If your question is why the AGI over the BGI, well why not, neither test is rocket science. If it comes down to that *I* see no advantage in just taking the BGI test.

No, if you're taking the AGI and becoming a CFI, there is no point.

[flyguy]

Originally Posted by GatorFC

One other question, though. As a CFI you are allowed to give ground to your student, but you can't teach a ground school class unless you have an AGI or BGI. Is that correct?

No. CFIs have all the privelages of an AGI.

[flyguy]

Originally Posted by bLizZuE

No, if you're taking the AGI and becoming a CFI, there is no point.

I became a ground instructor and taught ground school while working on my CFI. It was very helpfull in preparing me for my CFI oral, as it gave me invaluagle teaching experience, and allowed me to make some money, and get a staff rate on the aircraft/instructor at the same time.

[mojo6911]

Originally Posted by bLizZuE

No, if you're taking the AGI and becoming a CFI, there is no point.

You need the AGI if you want to become a gold seal instructor, if that floats your boat.

[bLizZuE]

Oh ok. The teaching while working on CFI, that doesn't sound like a bad idea at all. Props to you.

[CirrusMonkey]

So, the AGI is only taken if you want to instruct a ground school while working on your initial CFI (to make a little money)? Otherwise, well, if you have your CFI, its a waste of money to go and take it?

[bLizZuE]

yup. which is the original idea why I thought it was pointless if you're getting a CFI rating.

[qball194fa]

Also, having your AGI could be useful when you go for a job beyond that of your freelance CFI.. afterall, it's one thing the next guy might not have.

Since there was nothing to the AGI stuff, and I'd already studied all the material, I just took the AGI written, and got my AGI. I'm still working toward CFI, but it's a "nice to have" anyway!

[bLizZuE]

I don't see that as a valid arguement though. If your employer knew anything about it, they know it's the same test. I guess I'm just stingy about the 80 bucks.

[CFIse]

Originally Posted by bLizZuE

I don't see that as a valid arguement though. If your employer knew anything about it, they know it's the same test. I guess I'm just stingy about the 80 bucks.

The "can each ground school" is a red hering WHILE YOU HAVE A VALID CFI CERTIFICATE. At some point you may lose that certificate or not want to spend the money to keep it valid. At which point a GI certificate will still let you earn money teaching aviation. It's a weak justification - but it's out there and I put it there :-).

The only other good reason is the gold seal, and like some people said, whatever floats your boat.

I agree - 80 bucks is 80 bucks, but on the other hand all the preparation is for free - which it never will be again if you ever decide you DO want a GI.

[CFIse]

Originally Posted by GatorFC

One other question, though. As a CFI you are allowed to give ground to your student, but you can't teach a ground school class unless you have an AGI or BGI. Is that correct?

If you have a valid CFI then an AGI gives you no extra privileges. Some people like to sign off knowledge tests using their AGI certificate number arguing that this releases them from the requirement to keep records. But big whoop - I'm not sure ANYBODY got investigated after an incident based on who signed off their knowledge test.

If you lose you CFI, lose medical, don't want the expense of renewal every 2 years etc. then a GI might be good to have in your back pocket.

I agree - it's MOSTLY useless, just not totally useless, and for 80 bucks, when the preparation is free it's seems pretty cheap.

[qball194fa]

If you're tight about the 80 bucks, so be it, but the AGI does show that you have made the additional effort. I am glad I got mine, and will never look back on it.