Starting December 1st, major changes are coming for Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs). On that date, the FAA officially removes expiration dates from CFI certificates.
This update shifts the focus from renewing certificates to meeting “recent experience” requirements. This will make it easier for CFIs like you to keep teaching without unnecessary paperwork.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new rules and how they’ll affect your career as an instructor.
Key Takeaways
- CFIs will no longer have expiration dates on their certificates starting December 1.
- Instead of renewing, CFIs must meet recent experience requirements every 24 months.
- CFIs will still need to document their experience with the FAA.
What Were the Old Rules for CFIs?
Under the current rules, your CFI certificate is valid for 24 months. After that, you must renew it by filing paperwork, sometimes waiting for weeks to get a new certificate in the mail.
But starting December 1, the expiration date on CFI certificates will become a thing of the past. You won’t have to deal with renewals anymore, which means more time in the air and less time handling administrative tasks.
Why Did the FAA Make This Change?
Are you wondering why the FAA made this change? Well, the FAA decided it was time to streamline the process. Now CFI certificates align with other pilot certificates like private and commercial licenses, which don’t have expiration dates.
Yes, this is convenient for flight instructors, but it’s also expected to save the FAA $5.6 million over the next five years! This is because it eliminates the need for new certificate printing and mailing.
Instead of a renewal process every two years, you’ll need to meet specific “recent experience” requirements to keep teaching.
It’s a simpler approach that focuses on keeping you actively engaged rather than cycling through paperwork.
Sounds good, doesn’t it?
How to Meet the Recent Experience Requirements
And here’s some amazing news; most of the options for staying current haven’t changed.
Here’s a quick overview of how you can meet these requirements under FAR 61.197:
- Complete a Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC): This course is available online or in person.
- Pass a Practical Test: This can be for any rating you hold on your CFI certificate or for a new instructor rating.
- Active Instructing: If you’ve been actively instructing, endorsing at least five students for their practical tests with at least 80% passing on their first try, you’re good to go.
- Work as a Check Pilot or Chief Instructor: Roles under Part 121 or 135 qualify you, as do U.S. Armed Forces instructor pilot proficiency checks within the last 24 months.
What’s Different?
For CFIs who participate in the FAA’s WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program, the activity requirements are now more specific.
You’ll need to complete at least one phase of the WINGS program every 12 months and document 15 flight activities, including evaluations for at least five different pilots.
The FAA wants to see that CFIs stay involved in hands-on instruction and student assessments.
Registering Your Recent Experience
Even though your CFI certificate won’t expire, you still need to prove you’ve met the recent experience requirements. Every 24 months, you’ll submit an application to the FAA, just like before.
Most CFIs use the FAA’s IACRA system, submitting Form 8710-1 or Form 8710-11 electronically to document their compliance.
This keeps your records current with the FAA, so while it’s no longer a “renewal,” it still makes sure that you’re cleared to instruct.
What Happens if You Don’t Meet the Requirements?
We all know that life happens, and sometimes you might not meet the experience requirements in time.
If that happens, the FAA has introduced a three-month grace period to help you out. During this time, you can complete a FIRC to get back on track, but you won’t be able to instruct until you’re done.
If more than three months pass without meeting the requirements, you’ll need to pass a practical test to reinstate your instructor privileges. Overall, still a pretty good deal.
New Qualification Paths for Training CFIs
Interested in training new CFIs? The FAA has also updated the qualification criteria for those wanting to teach the next generation of flight instructors.
Before you had to hold your CFI certificate for at least two years and provide at least 200 hours of flight training. Now, there are additional ways to qualify:
- Student Endorsements: You can qualify if you’ve trained and endorsed at least five applicants for their practical tests within the past 24 months, with at least 80% passing on their first try. There’s no hour requirement in this option.
- Enhanced Qualification Training Program: Completing an FAA-approved Flight Instructor Enhanced Qualification Training Program also qualifies you, provided you’ve given at least 200 hours of flight instruction.
Conclusion
There’s not much for you to change right now. Just keep on instructing regularly and make sure you’re meeting the recent experience requirements every two years.
When the time comes, remember to submit your experience documentation through Form 8710. This change means less paperwork and more focus on what you do best—flying and teaching.
Keep using your amazing skills today to create the aviators of tomorrow!
