How to Renew a Certified Flight Instructor License

A certified flight instructor has a sometimes scary, sometimes demanding, but always invaluable job. They make sure those who take to the airways are properly equipped to handle the challenges of operating an airplane. There are actually several different ways of renewing a certified flight instructors' license, so don't let yours lapse without trying one of these easy alternatives.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Submit proof of at least 80 percent first-time pass rate of at least five of your flight students. Documentation for this includes copies of the students' scores on their practical tests and a copy of their Temporary Airman Certificate or Notice of Disapproval.

2. Complete a Flight Instructor Refresher Course, or FIRC. With some prior planning, you can do this in person over the course of a weekend, or choose from many industry-sponsored online courses. Once completed, the course is valid for three months so it's a great option for those who wait until the last minute to renew and for those who plan a few months ahead but want to keep the same expiration date on their license.

3. Take a Certified Flight Instructor practical test for another rating, such as an instrument rating, within the 24-month license period. You can also renew your license by taking a general practical test with a FAA appointed inspector.

4. Provide proof that you serve as a company check pilot, chief flight instructor, flight instructor or company check airman in a qualified operation, or that you regularly evaluate pilots in some capacity. A letter of appointment to one of these positions and your flight log book documenting hours serving in these capacities should be enough documentation to renew your license.

5. Attend a Certified Flight Instructor workshop sponsored by the FAA. These are a great way for the CFI to catch up on the latest news in the flight profession while earning credit to renew their license. This may require a little more planning, but workshops usually occur around the same time each year.

Tips & Warnings

• Build a good relationship with your FAA inspectors. If they are familiar with you and the duties and responsibilities you perform as a Certified Flight Instructor, they can sometimes award your renewal simply based on the knowledge they have of your abilities and activities.
• If your Certified Flight Instructor license expires, there is no way to renew it. Passing a practical test with an FAA appointed inspector will reinstate your license. This test will also reinstate all of your current ratings.

Resources

• Online Certified Flight Instructor refresher course

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