How to Renew a Flight Instructor Certificate
A flight instructor certificate enables you to teach students how to fly aircraft. Keep your certification current by renewing it before it expires. A flight instructor certification expires after two years, during the same month in which it was issued to you. It is less arduous to renew your certification before expiration than it is to reinstate an expired certification. There are several ways you can meet the requirements for renewal.
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Instructions
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Attend a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) workshop sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These workshops are typically offered once per month. Check with the FAA for a listing of workshops in your area. Successful completion of this workshop will enable you to renew the certification.
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Complete an FAA SEAWINGS or WINGS program. You must fulfill the requirements for the program, including providing documentation for at least 15 hours of flight instruction for at least five students in the WINGS program.
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Pass an FAA-approved Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC). There may be a course offered in your area or you can complete one online. Many organizations offer online FIRCs, including the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Obtain a comprehensive listing of FIRCs from the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI). Expect to pay a fee for the course.
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Provide the FAA with documentation of your students' success. If your students have a first-time pass rate of at least 80 percent, you can automatically renew your CFI.
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Take a test. Passing a practice test with an inspector appointed by the FAA or taking a practice test to obtain a different CFI rating will renew your flight instructor certification.
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References
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