Keeping the Learner Informed  Demonstrated Ability  Professional Development  Continuing Education  Government  8-10  The FAA cosponsors Inspection Authorization (IA) seminars. These seminars are open to all maintenance technicians and are a good  source of additional training and education for maintenance instructors.  The FAA approves the providers who conduct Flight Instructor Refresher Courses (FIRCs) in accordance with AC 61-83, Nationally  Scheduled FAA-Approved Industry-Conducted Flight Instructor Refresher Course. These courses are available for flight instructors  to complete the training requirements for renewal of flight instructor certificates.  Similarly, the Aviation Maintenance Awards Program affords the aviation maintenance instructor the opportunity for increased  education through attendance at FAA or industry maintenance training seminars. Details for the awarding of bronze through diamond  pins can be found in AC 65-25, Aviation Maintenance Technician Awards Program.  Participation in the Pilot Proficiency Awards Program is a good way for a flight instructor to improve proficiency and to serve as an  example to learners. Another way is to work toward the Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificate. Accomplishing the requirements of  the certificate is evidence the instructor has performed at a very high level as a flight instructor. See AC 61-65, Certification: Pilots  and Flight and Ground Instructors, for a list of requirements for earning this certificate.  The FAA is a rich source of information that can be used to enhance an instructor’s knowledge. Regulations, advisory circulars,  airworthiness directives, orders, and notices are some of the documents that can be downloaded from the FAA website at  www.faa.gov.  One of the first educational sources for the instructor is the FAA and other governmental agencies. The FAA either sponsors or  collaborates in sponsoring aviation programs, seminars, and workshops for the public. For example, the FAA conducts safety  seminars around the country in conjunction with the aviation industry. These seminars, although directed at pilots, can be a useful  source of knowledge for aviation instructors.  A professional aviation instructor continually updates his or her knowledge and skills. This goal is attained in a variety of ways, such  as reading an article in a technical publication or taking a course at a technical school. There are many different sources of  information the aviation instructor can use in order to remain current in aviation knowledge and teaching.  Successful, professional aviation instructors do not become complacent or satisfied with their own qualifications and abilities and are  constantly alert for ways to improve their qualifications, effectiveness, and the services they provide to learners. Considered by their  learners to be a source of up-to-date information, instructors have the opportunity and responsibility to introduce new procedures and  techniques both to their learners and to other aviation professionals with whom they come in contact.  Aviation is changing rapidly, and aviation instructors need to continue to develop their knowledge and skills in order to teach  successfully in this environment. The aviation instructor is well respected by other technicians and pilots because instructors have  trained extensively to be certificated. Flight instructors undergo comprehensive evaluations and a practical test to obtain a flight  instructor certificate. 14 CFR part 147 requires all instructors teaching maintenance subjects to hold an FAA certificate as an aircraft  maintenance technician.  When evaluating learner demonstrations of ability, the aviation instructor should keep the learner informed of progress. This may be  done as each procedure or maneuver is completed or summarized during a postflight or class critique. These critiques should be in a  written format, such as notes, to aid the instructor in covering all areas that were noticed during the flight or lesson. When explaining  errors in performance, instructors point out the elements in which the deficiencies are believed to have originated and, if possible,  suggest appropriate corrective measures.  Evaluation of demonstrated ability during flight or maintenance instruction is based upon established standards of performance,  suitably modified to apply to the learner’s experience and stage of development as a pilot or mechanic. The evaluation considers the  learner’s mastery of the elements involved in the maneuver or procedure, rather than merely the overall performance. For example,  qualification of learner pilots for solo and solo cross-country privileges depends upon demonstrations of performance. 