Ways To Renew CFI Rating Flashcards
- Take a practical test for a CFI rating currently held.
In accordance with references a. and b. Incidentally, this is the only way to reinstate an expired CFI certificate, and reinstatement of one rating will renew all ratings listed on the old CFI certificate
- Take a practical test for an additional CFI rating
- Take a practical test for an additional CFI rating
- Demonstrate a first time pass rate of at least 80%
Based on a minimum of five recommendations for a practical test. One of the best ways to document this activity is to retain a copy of FAA form 8710-1 for each practical test recommendation and a copy of each FAA form 8069-4, temporary airman certificate, or FAA form 8060-5, notice of disapproval that was awarded
- Serve a a check airman
Or as an instructor in a part 121 or part 135 operation, or serve in a position involving the regular evaluation of pilots. A letter of appointment as check airman, along with the pilot logbook showing activity in this capacity should be sufficient documentation
- Attend an industry sponsored flight instructor refresher course (FIRC)
This is an excellent option for a diverse group of instructors, including those who wait till the last minute to renew. There are at least two ways to complete a FIRC:
- Attend a FIRC in person, requires some advanced planning (heli expo)
- Complete an online FIRC, which requires no advanced planning. CFI’s have the advantage of taking the training on a schedule that suits their needs. Some providers may charge only a one time fee for this service
- Attend an FAA sponsored CFI workshop
If offered in your district. The requirements are a bit more stringent than for a FIRC (for example it may be necessary to participate in the FAA WINGS program and provide a copy of the most recent wings cert.) but if the CFI does a little advanced planning, it may be possible to catch up on the latest professional updates and renew the CFI certificate at the same time. They are usually offered the same month each year where available.
- Participate in the FAA WINGS or SEAWINGS program
Many pilots are aware of this fun and versatile long-term program, and CFI’s should already know that instructors could earn WINGS phases by documenting student activity in accordance with reference c. What many CFI’s don’t know, however, is that a recent authorization, reference d. Adds to the versatility of the wings program by making it possible to renew an unexpired CFI cert as well. How it works:
A. Be a participant in the wings program
B. Provide 15 hours of documented flight instruction in pursuit of wings objectives and
C. Sign off five eligible students for their wings phase
- Earn a gold seal flight instructor cert
This is a one-time permanent qualification, and when awarded, is good for a one time renewal of the CFI certificate. The permanent certificate even has the FAA logo in gold. Years ago, having a gold seal meant the CFI held an instrument rating, but since the instrument rating is now required, the gold seal takes on new meaning. To earn a gold seal certificate the CFI must demonstrate at least an 80% first time pass rate based on a minimum of ten sign offs, not just 5 as in item 3 above. Moreover, the CFI must also hold either an advanced ground instructor (AGI) or an instrument ground instructor (IGI) certificate. The FAA wants as many CFI’s as possible to earn gold seal.
- Earn or renew a master CFI designation
In accordance with reference g, the national association of flight instructors (NAFI) offers the master instructor program. You must be a 2 year CFI and a member of NAFI to be eligible. The master instructor designation picks up where the gold seal leaves off. Unlike the gold seal, master CFI credentials are granted based on a system of continuing education units (CEU). Moreover, the designation must be renewed biennially. There are fewer than 400 masters out of over 81,000 CFI’s. Here is a summary of the master instructor programs essentials. CEU’s are awarded in four categories, required minimum of 32 total CEU’s:
- Educator (16 CEU minimum)
- Service to aviation community (2 CEU minimum)
- Creation of media (2 CEU minimum)
- Participant (2 CEU minimum)
- Instructor candidates must document their qualifying activities and submit a detailed package for board review. More program details are contained in reference g. The use of a master CFI designation is the newest way to renew an unexpired flight instructor certificate
- Obtain renewal based on “duties and responsibilities”
In a few rare cases. An FAA inspector may opt to renew a CFI’s certificate primarily because of his or her personal familiarity with the instructor. See reference h. A CFI using this method of renewal must first have an exemption ally close working relationship with the FAA inspector granting renewal. There are many opportunities to develop such a relationship, your FSDO’s safety program manager is an excellent starting point.
14 CFR part 61.197(b)(2) states
that the original expectation month can be retained if the renewal is accomplished (e.g., FAA form 8710.1 submitted to the FSDO) within the 3 calendar months preceding the expectation month. If dewing outside of that window, a new expectation month will be listed on the certificate
Ten way to Renew CFI certificate (61.197)
- Take a practical test for a CFI rating currently held
- Take a practical test for an additional CFI rating
- Demonstrate a first-time pass rate of at least 80%
- Serve as a check airman
- Attend an industry-sponsored flight instructor refresher course (FIRC)
- Attend an FAA sponsored CFI workshop
- Participate in FAA WINGS or SEAWINGS program
- Earn a gold seal flight instructor certificate
- Earn or renew a master CFI designation
- Obtain renewal based on duties and responsibilities
