Ten Ways to Renew Your CFI Certificate

By Robert Jex, MCFI

References:

(a) 14 CFR 61.197

(b) Any current CFI PTS

(c) AC 61-91H

(d) FAA Order 8700.1, Appendix 3

(e) AC 61-65E

(f) FAA Order 8700.1 (Chg. 9), Chapter 13

(g) NAFI MCFI program guidance (Web site: www.NAFInet.org)

(h) FAA Order 8710.3E, Chapter 14, Para 9A(4).

(i) FAA Order 8700.1, Vol 2, (Chg 30) Chapter 11, Para 9E

In discussions with many Instructor candidates, we often talk about the different ways Instructors can renew their CFI certificate once they earn it. There are so many ways to renew it that there really is little excuse for letting it expire! Yet, in spite of the many different ways to renew, there are few Instructors who can list all of them. The regulations [reference (a)] list some, but not all of the approved methods. (Challenge yourself now: Before reading further, see how many you can name!). Here now are ten ways to renew an unexpired CFI certificate:

1. 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 the reinstatement of one rating will renew all ratings listed on the old CFI certificate.

2. Take a practical test for an additional CFI rating.

3. Demonstrate a first-time pass rate of at least 80% based on a minimum of 5 recommendations for a practical test. One of the best ways to document this activity is to retain a copy of both the 8710 for each practical test, and a copy of each Temporary Airman Certificate or Notice of Disapproval that was awarded.

4. Serve as a Check Airman in a Part 91, 121, 133, or 135 operation, or serve in a capacity 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. An inspector renewing a person this way would mark Duties & Responsibilities on the back of the 8710 as the basis for renewal; see also paragraph 10 below.

5. Attend an industry-sponsored Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC; pronounced “ferk”). This is an excellent option for many Instructors, including those who wait until the last minute to renew! There are at least two ways to complete a FIRC:

A. Attend a FIRC in person, which requires some advance planning, or

B. Complete an on-line FIRC, which requires no advance planning. CFIs have the advantage of taking the training on a schedule that suits their needs. Several providers charge only a one-time fee for this service.

6. Attend a 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 document participation in the FAA “WINGS” program and provide a copy of the most recent Wings certificate), 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.

7. Participate in the FAA “WINGS” or “SEAWINGS” Program. Many pilots are aware of this fun and versatile long-term program, and CFIs should already know that Instructors can earn WINGS phases by documenting student activity in accordance with reference (c). What many CFIs 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 certificate as well! Here’s how it works:

The CFI must:

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 5 eligible students for their WINGS phase.

8. Earn Gold Seal certification. 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 Gold Seal meant that the CFI held an instrument rating, but since the instrument rating is now required, Gold Seal takes on a new meaning. To earn Gold Seal certification, the CFI must demonstrate over the preceding 24 calendar months, at least an 80% first-time pass rate based on a minimum of 10 sign-offs, not just 5 as in paragraph 3 above. Moreover, the CFI must also hold either an Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) or Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) certificate. The FAA wants as many CFIs as possible to earn Gold Seal. See references (e), (f) and (h).

9. Earn or renew Master CFI accreditation. In accordance with reference (g), the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) has a program called Master CFI. Reference (h) permits renewal of an unexpired CFI certificate upon earning or renewing accreditation as a Master CFI. This designation also automatically qualifies the MCFI for Gold Seal if the Master holds a ground instructor certificate with either advanced (AGI) or instrument (IGI) ground instructor ratings! You must be at least a two-year CFI and a member of NAFI to be eligible. Master CFI picks up where Gold Seal leaves off. Unlike Gold Seal, Master CFI credentials are awarded based on a point system. Moreover, the MCFI designation must be renewed biennially. There are fewer than 500 MCFIs out of over 90,000 CFIs. Here is a summary of the MCFI program’s essentials:

CEUs are awarded in four categories; required minimum of 32 total CEUs:

A. Educator (16-CEUs minimum)

B. Aviation Community Service (2-CEUs min)

C. Creation of Media (2-CEUs min)

D. Participant (2-CEUs min)

MCFI 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 the Master Instructor program is the newest way to renew an unexpired CFI certificate!

10. Obtain renewal based on “Duties & Responsibilities”. In a few rare cases, an FAA inspector may renew a CFI’s certificate primarily on the basis of his or her personal familiarity with the instructor. See reference (i). A CFI using this method of renewal must first have an exceptionally close working relationship with the inspector granting the renewal. There are many opportunities to develop such a relationship; your FSDO’s Safety Program Manager (being renamed “FAA Safety Team” or “FAASTeam” Manager) is an excellent starting point.

There you have it (so far)! Perhaps you have now discovered a renewal method that better suits your needs. Many of these methods are not contained in the FARs, but are FAA-approved nonetheless. Once you realize the diversity of renewal options, the hard part merely becomes deciding when to renew. I renew annually because of my level of activity. 14 CFR 61.197(b)(2) states that the original expiration month can be retained if the renewal is accomplished (i.e., 8710 submitted to FSDO) within the three calendar months preceding the expiration month. If renewing outside of that window, a new expiration month will be listed on the certificate.

Good luck and safe flying!

Robert Jex is a NAFI Master CFI, an FAA Gold Seal CFI, formerly the Safety Officer at Pan Am International Flight Academy in Fort Pierce, FL. He was named 2004 CFI of the Year by the Orlando FSDO and now works as an Aviation Safety Inspector in that office.