Ground Control Instructor
Introduction
The Ground Control Instructor (GCI) rating was introduced in 2005. The role of the GCI is to provide ground control to student parachutists using any combination of CSPA approved ground control methods
Privileges
The privileges of this rating are to:
Conduct
- student canopy guidance
Supervise
- student canopy guidance progression
Signoff
- canopy control tasks for Solo Certificate
Prerequisites
- Coach 1 trained
Training and Practical Requirements
Candidates must acquire a GCI portfolio and follow the outlined learning process. A theory module must be taken from a Course Facilitator and this module is available as part of the Coach 1 course (if the CF wishes to add this to the existing curriculum) or on the SSI or JM courses (again CF’s may or may not offer this module on these courses depending on the prior ratings of the course candidates). The next step (which can also be done prior to the theory module) is to observe (observation only) 25 student landings that are guided by a certified GCI or IA. The final step which may only be done after both prior steps are complete is to now provide ground control to 25 more student landings while under the direct supervision and immediate presence of a certified GCI or IA
Certification
This rating must be verified and signed by an IB or SSE in the Ground Control Instructor Portfolio and mailed to CSPA.
The certified rating is continuous and does not require any follow up training.

