100+ Free FAA Ground Instructor Practice Questions
Pass your FAA Ground Instructor (BGI/AGI/IGI) Knowledge Tests exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
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Key Facts: FAA Ground Instructor Exam
100
AGI Questions
Multiple choice
70%
Passing Score
70 of 100 correct
$175
Per Test Fee
PSI testing centers
No expiration
Certificate Validity
12-month currency req.
2.5 hours
Time Allotted
150 minutes
18 years
Minimum Age
To hold certificate
The AGI knowledge test has 100 multiple-choice questions covering aerodynamics, FARs, weather, navigation, aircraft systems, weight and balance, airspace, and aeromedical factors. You need 70% (70 correct) to pass. The BGI has 80 questions and the IGI has 50 questions, both also requiring 70%. Each test costs $175 at PSI testing centers with a 2.5-hour time limit. You must also pass the 50-question Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) test unless exempt. The certificate does not expire but requires 12-month currency per 14 CFR 61.217.
About the FAA Ground Instructor Exam
The FAA Ground Instructor certificate authorizes holders to provide ground training for pilot, flight instructor, and ground instructor certificates under 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart I. Three ratings are available: Basic Ground Instructor (BGI) covers sport, recreational, and private pilot training; Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) covers all pilot certificate levels except instrument; and Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) covers instrument rating ground training. No pilot certificate or flight experience is required.
Questions
100 scored questions
Time Limit
2 hours 30 minutes
Passing Score
70% (70 of 100 questions for AGI)
Exam Fee
$175 per knowledge test (FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) / PSI)
FAA Ground Instructor Exam Content Outline
Federal Aviation Regulations
14 CFR Parts 61, 91, 43, pilot certification, airworthiness requirements, operating rules, medical requirements, logbook entries
Aerodynamics & Principles of Flight
Lift, drag, thrust, weight, stability, stalls, spins, load factor, turns, ground effect, aspect ratio, propeller effects
Aviation Weather
Atmospheric pressure, fronts, clouds, turbulence, icing, thunderstorms, fog, METARs, TAFs, aviation weather services
Navigation & Flight Planning
Pilotage, dead reckoning, VOR, NDB, GPS, sectional charts, flight computers, fuel planning, true vs magnetic heading
Aircraft Performance & Weight and Balance
Takeoff and landing distance, density altitude, performance charts, CG calculations, moment arms, loading graphs
Airport Operations & Airspace
Airspace classes A through G, airport markings, lighting, NOTAMs, ATC procedures, traffic patterns, right-of-way rules
Aeromedical Factors & Decision-Making
Hypoxia, hyperventilation, spatial disorientation, vision, aeronautical decision-making, crew resource management, human factors
How to Pass the FAA Ground Instructor Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 70% (70 of 100 questions for AGI)
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Exam fee: $175 per knowledge test
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
FAA Ground Instructor Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three types of FAA ground instructor certificates?
The FAA issues three ground instructor ratings under 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart I: Basic Ground Instructor (BGI) authorizes ground training for sport, recreational, and private pilot certificates. Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) covers everything the BGI does plus commercial, ATP, and other pilot certificates except the instrument rating. Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) authorizes ground training specifically for the instrument rating and instrument proficiency checks.
Do I need a pilot certificate to become an FAA ground instructor?
No. Unlike flight instructor certificates, ground instructor certification has no requirement for a pilot certificate, flight experience, or medical certificate. You must be at least 18 years old, read/write/speak/understand English, and pass the FOI knowledge test plus the rating-specific knowledge test (BGI, AGI, or IGI). This makes ground instructor one of the most accessible FAA certificates.
How many questions are on each ground instructor knowledge test?
The Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) test has 100 questions with a 2.5-hour time limit. The Basic Ground Instructor (BGI) test has 80 questions with a 2.5-hour limit. The Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) test has 50 questions with a 2.5-hour limit. All three require a 70% passing score. You must also pass the 50-question Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) test unless you hold a current teacher's certificate or are a college/university instructor.
How much does the FAA ground instructor exam cost?
Each FAA knowledge test costs $175, paid to PSI at the testing center. For initial ground instructor certification, you typically need to take two tests: the FOI ($175) and your rating-specific test ($175), totaling $350. If you already hold a flight instructor or ground instructor certificate, the FOI is waived. If you fail, you must receive additional instruction, get an endorsement, and pay $175 again to retest.
Does the ground instructor certificate expire?
The ground instructor certificate itself does not expire. However, under 14 CFR 61.217, you may not exercise your privileges unless you can show activity within the preceding 12 calendar months. This can be demonstrated by: (a) giving ground instruction, (b) giving flight instruction as a CFI, (c) completing an approved flight instructor refresher course (FIRC), or (d) receiving an endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying your knowledge is current.