New options available to reinstate flight instructor privileges : Flight Training Central

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Did your CFI Expire Recently?

You may be able to take advantage of a new reinstatement option without having to complete a checkride

The FAA introduced major changes for certified flight instructors on December 1, 2024. CFIs will no longer have an expiration date associated with their certificate under the new rules; however, CFIs are required to maintain recent flight instruction activity or participate in a flight instructor refresher course (FIRC) at least every 24 months. Failure to document and apply for recency via IACRA have the same effect as a CFI expiring—meaning a reinstatement is required.

New 3-month grace period for reinstatement

CFIs who do not meet the renewal requirements within 24 calendar months lose their ability to instruct, but they can restore their instructor privileges by completing a FIRC within a new 3-month grace period (three months beyond their currency expiration). Beyond the 3-calendar month grace period, CFIs will have to follow the existing reinstatement option which is completing a practical exam (checkride).

It is worth noting that, effective December 1, 2024, all CFIs may take advantage of the 3-month reinstatement period even if an expiration date is printed on their certificate provided the FIRC is completed on December 1 or later.

What does that mean for you?

If your CFI certificate expired at the end of September, October, or November 2024, you may take advantage of the new grace period and reinstate your privileges by completing Sporty’s free eFIRC, but only up to 3-calendar months beyond the original expiration. Therefore:

if your CFI expired on September 30, you must complete your FIRC and apply for reinstatement by December 31 2024;
if your CFI expired on October 31, you must complete your FIRC and apply for reinstatement by January 31, 2025; and
if your CFI expired on November 30, you must complete your FIRC and apply for reinstatement by February 28, 2025.

How do I reinstate my privileges under the new rules?

Complete Sporty’s eFIRC, apply for reinstatement via IACRA, and take advantage of Sporty’s paperless CFI renewal service via the online FIRC. A new temporary certificate will be issued by a Sporty’s representative. Alternatively, you may complete your FIRC, apply for reinstatement via IACRA, and schedule a renewal appointment with your local FSDO office or designated pilot examiner PRIOR to the end of your 3-month grace period.

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