Air Experience Instructor
Colin and John have brought up the subject of training AEI’s. An Air Experience Instructor is an INSTRUCTOR, on the first rung of the ladder which leads ultimately to the exalted heights of **Level 3** wherein dwells our own Brian Marshall!
Being an AEI is more than just flying the aircraft for free. There is also a “patter” which comes easier to some than to others. An AEI has to be able to fly the airplane while at the same time being a tour guide, teacher, promoter of gliding, soother of nervous punters and detector of imminent vomiting.
So, if you are bored and tired of plowing furrows along the ridge, spread your wings (so to speak). It is always good to stretch yourself to achieve a goal. Ask the nearest instructor about the AEI process.
Here is some info from the GFA Manual of Standard Operating Procedures regarding AEI’s.
Cheers,
Norm
SECTION 17.
INSTRUCTOR TRAINING AND RATINGS
17.1 General
Training of Air Experience Instructors (AEIs) is carried out at club level, by the club CFI or suitable delegate, in accordance with the GFA Instructor Handbook.
Training of Levels 1 and 2 instructors is carried out by persons who hold Level 3 (NGS) authority. Such training may be carried out on a decentralised basis within clubs, or courses may be convened if there are enough candidates to warrant it, the required NGS staff personnel are available and the necessary number of gliders and tugs can be organised to satisfactorily cover the syllabus.
General requirements, privileges, limitations and revalidation details of the various instructor ratings are as follows :-
17.1.1. Air Experience Instructor (AEI)
Requirements.
Minimum age 16 years
50 hours total gliding experience, or 200 launches in the case of a winch/autotow pilot. Power pilots may count 10% of their power flying hours towards this total after 10 hours or 50 launches have been gained.
“C” Certificate.
Trained within the club by an instructor of at least Level 2 rating, in accordance with the syllabus on pages 8 to 12 in Part 2 of the GFA Instructor’s Handbook.
Privileges and limitations.
GFA MOSP, Part 2, Operations June 2001 Page 24
The purpose of an Air Experience Instructor rating is to carry out Air Experience Flights (AEFs) as defined in 17.1.2. The pilot may demonstrate the glider’s controls to the person undertaking the AEF and may hand over control to that person, subject to the following conditions :-
The AEI must carry out all launches, circuits, approaches and landings.
The AEI is not authorised to allow the other person on the controls below 800ft AGL.
Revalidation requirements
Biennial flight check with CFI or delegate. 40 hours total gliding in the preceding two years. 3 landings within the preceding 90 days, of which 1 must be in a similar type to that used for the AEF. Revalidated by logbook endorsement and shown on biennial return to RTO/Ops.
17.1.2. Definition of Air Experience flight
An Air Experience flight is defined as carriage of a person who is a member of the GFA (which may be short-term or introductory membership, as defined from time to time by the GFA Council) for the purpose of experiencing the sport of gliding.
17.1.3. Levels 1 and 2 Instructors.
The AEI rating is the highest instructor authority which can be obtained within a club. For the Levels 1 and 2 ratings, more formal involvement by the GFA National Gliding School (NGS) is called for.