Regulation Text
§ 61.217 Recent experience requirements.
(a) Employment or activity as a ground instructor giving pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor training;
(b) Employment or activity as a flight instructor giving pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor ground or flight training;
(c) Completion of an approved flight instructor refresher course and receipt of a graduation certificate for that course; or
(d) An endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the person has demonstrated knowledge in the subject areas prescribed under § 61.213(a)(3) and (a)(4), as appropriate.
[Docket FAA-2006-26661, 74 FR 42562, Aug. 21, 2009]
Research Notes
Research Notes — § 61.217 Recent Experience Requirements: Ground Instructor
12-Month Recency Window vs. 24 Months for CFIs
Ground instructors must maintain recency within the preceding 12 calendar months — a tighter window than the 24-month window for flight instructors under § 61.197. The ground instructor recent experience requirement is satisfied by one of four activities:
- Employment or activity as a ground instructor giving training
- Employment or activity as a flight instructor giving ground or flight training
- Completion of an approved FIRC with graduation certificate
- Endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying demonstrated knowledge in the § 61.213(a)(3) and (a)(4) areas
Source: 14 CFR § 61.217
What Counts as "Activity" Under (a) and (b)
The regulation does not define a minimum number of hours or students for the "employment or activity" standard in § 61.217(a) and (b). FAA legal interpretations have generally held that at least some actual ground training must occur — the certificate holder cannot simply maintain the certificate without any instructional activity and claim recency. A single ground training session may be sufficient, but a pattern of zero activity raises regulatory questions. Source: FAA Legal Interpretations
No Reinstatement Provision
Unlike the flight instructor certificate under § 61.199, Subpart I does not include a reinstatement provision for lapsed ground instructor currency. A ground instructor who fails to maintain recency cannot exercise the duties of a ground instructor until recency is re-established through one of the four § 61.217 methods. Source: 14 CFR § 61.217
Amendment History
AOA Notes
These notes correspond to the highlighted phrases in the regulation text above. Each one flags something worth knowing — a common misread, a checkride gotcha, or a practical pro tip.
CFI Commentary
Highlighted phrases in the regulation text above link to instructor notes at the bottom of this page. Look for the amber or blue highlights — each one flags a gotcha or a pro tip worth knowing.