Best Way to Renew CFI?

[avbug]

One way to renew the CFI is to take the any CFI written test. Then, it appears take the results and an 8710 to a FSDO for the renewal. Is this acceptable?

Taking the knowledge exam does not qualify you to renew your instructor certificate. You need to pass the practical test for one of your existing instructor ratings or a new one. The simple "written" test doesn't cut it. You need to complete the new rating. In this case, you suggested doing a glider instructor rating...you need to pass the practical test for the glider instructor rating.

You can show a satisfactory record of instruction, as spelled out in the regulation.

You can pass a flight instructor renewal course online. The American Flyers group is a pay once, do the program for a lifetime deal. Every time you go to renew after that, its no additional cost. In my opinion, it's not a very good offering, enough so that while I've gone back and used it from time to time, but have also bought other programs rather than deal with American Flyers, too.

If you've got an adequate instructor's record, you can present that to meet the requirements of renewal.

If you're in a position to regularly evaluate other pilots as spelled out in the regulation, and can offer evidence of this, you can also renew. I served as a check airman last year, but didn't bother...I did the online course anyway. I had some extra time to kill in my tent...and hammered out the course online.

One thing you're best off avoiding is letting the certificate expire. I've done that twice and had to reinstate, rather than renew. You can complete renewal requirements early, and it still won't change your renewal date.

Pick the method that works best for you.

(a) A person who holds a flight instructor certificate that has not expired may renew that flight instructor certificate by—
(1) Passing a practical test for—
(i) One of the ratings listed on the current flight instructor certificate; or
(ii) An additional flight instructor rating; or
(2) Submitting a completed and signed application with the FAA and satisfactorily completing one of the following renewal requirements—
(i) A record of training students showing that, during the preceding 24 calendar months, the flight instructor has endorsed at least 5 students for a practical test for a certificate or rating and at least 80 percent of those students passed that test on the first attempt.
(ii) A record showing that, within the preceding 24 calendar months, the flight instructor has served as a company check pilot, chief flight instructor, company check airman, or flight instructor in a part 121 or part 135 operation, or in a position involving the regular evaluation of pilots.
(iii) A graduation certificate showing that, within the preceding 3 calendar months, the person has successfully completed an approved flight instructor refresher course consisting of ground training or flight training, or a combination of both.
(iv) A record showing that, within the preceding 12 months from the month of application, the flight instructor passed an official U.S. Armed Forces military instructor pilot proficiency check.
(b) The expiration month of a renewed flight instructor certificate shall be 24 calendar months from—
(1) The month the renewal requirements of paragraph (a) of this section are accomplished; or
(2) The month of expiration of the current flight instructor certificate provided—
(i) The renewal requirements of paragraph (a) of this section are accomplished within the 3 calendar months preceding the expiration month of the current flight instructor certificate, and
(ii) If the renewal is accomplished under paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section, the approved flight instructor refresher course must be completed within the 3 calendar months preceding the expiration month of the current flight instructor certificate.
(c) The practical test required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section may be accomplished in a flight simulator or flight training device if the test is accomplished pursuant to an approved course conducted by a training center certificated under part 142 of this chapter.

 

[nosehair]

I have used both Gleim and American Flyers on line CFI renewal.
The Gleim program just requires passing a series of tests on different subject areas, which means you can complete the program in less than 16 hours.
The AF program requires a specific number of minutes in each subject area which total the required 16 hours for renewal.

I suspect you need the required 16 hours to review and pass the material. And then it is free for a lifetime. That's what I do now.

 

[Balou]

Just started Gleim for the 4th time. 2 years ago I did Jeppeson and liked it alot. more info but takes alot more time than gleim. I would do the jepp again.

 

[jak378]

I have used American Flyers for the last several renewals and have been very satisfied with them. They do require that you spend the whole 16 hours online. It is broken down into segments after each of which there is a test. You must have the required time for that segment online before they will allow you to take the test. As someone else mentioned, you can keep the material open in another window seperate from the test and it then becomes an open book test. Although the 125 dollar fee is good for life, they do charge if you want them to handle the renewal paperwork. After you send in the documentation, the renewal is extremely prompt. You receive the tem certificate almost immediately and the permanent one a month of so later, depending on how busy the FAA is.

I don't think much of Geim, primarily because when I looked at it, it was obvious that whoever put it together did not have a clue about hou to develop an outline.

Since I am pretty much retired, I would like to tak an in person course next time, just for the interactive, question and answer benefits.

 

[ePilot22]

I have used American Flyers for the last several renewals and have been very satisfied with them. They do require that you spend the whole 16 hours online. It is broken down into segments after each of which there is a test. You must have the required time for that segment online before they will allow you to take the test. As someone else mentioned, you can keep the material open in another window seperate from the test and it then becomes an open book test. Although the 125 dollar fee is good for life, they do charge if you want them to handle the renewal paperwork.

Last year was the first time I had to renew without the student sign-off. I used American Flyers as well. You can renew for a LIFETIME for only $125! The best deal out there for cheap pilots!

I believe I found an error in the AF course so that you don't actually have to spend the entire 16 hours online.

I was studying late one night and had just opened the next chapter. About 5 mins into it, I decided to call it a night. The next afternoon I logged back in and I was able to take the exam for that chapter. I completed the last three chapters that way.

For the money and time, American Flyers has got to be the BEST value FIRC on the market. I have not used any other courses.





eP.