CFI renewal

[RefugePilot]

I have not instructed in almost 2 years and need to get my CFI renewed.

I plan on doing through American Flyers.

One question though is when do I need to have this done by? I renewed my CFI 12/05 by my training record, I got my MEI in 1/06. I then got my Gold Seal Rating in 2/06. My current CFI card is this one that says Date of Issue: Feb 06. Does this mean I have till the end of February?

 

[Amish RakeFight]

If you got your MEI on 1/06 (reinstates the CFI-A) I'd say you better take an online refresher course pronto, like before the end of Jaunary!!

Don't really know how the gold seal changes anything. Never was one

 

[CRJCptn]

It should have an experation date listed on the back. Do the online thing before that date and your good to go.

 

[nosehair]

My current CFI card is this one that says Date of Issue: Feb 06. Does this mean I have till the end of February?

Your CFI certificate has the expiration date on it. Don't look at the issue date. If you get it replaced or whatever, it has a new issue date, but will retain the original expiration date under the ratings.

 

[RefugePilot]

Thanks CRJCpt and Nosehair,
The expiration is the end of Feb. I guess the issuance of the Gold Seal equals a new rating as CFI. I had seen that an issuance of a replacement with the date being different from the receiving of a rating before. I got a whole nother month to procrastinate. By the way this is a leap year.

RP

 

[JAFI]

You must renew - in the FSDO - on or before the expiration date on your certificate - not just pass the course before that date.

You can renew within 90 days of expiration, and keep the month of expiration listed on your certificate. It can be easier to remember that way...

Letting it lapse means taking a check ride - in an aircraft - to re-instate......

JAFI

 

[Rerouted]

Why not just take a ride with the local DE?

 

[regionalcap]

Why not just take a ride with the local DE?

hehe....sure

 

[jdubya]

I know several who have used American Flyers and have never heard any negatives about the refresher course.
However, you may want to look at the Gleim refresher course, the advantage being that there is no online time requirement. You can finish the required sample tests, study, exam, and move on.
You can take the results to a FSDO, or depending on your location they may allow a local DE to accept the app, but I have found the best way is just to use the company you are taking the course from.
Good luck.

 

[CRJCptn]

I have used Gleim several times. The time requirment online is what has sold me. (no min time)

Also remember that if you go to the FSDO you have to call and make an appointment.

best of luck to you...

 

[Princedietrich]

For those who are looking to renew a CFI by going through a FSDO, please take this bit of advice. If your expiration is in January (for example), PLEASE DO NOT wait until 3pm on January 31st to call up the FSDO and ask for an appointment. There is a good chance you won't get it, and here's why:

1. The ops inspectors who process the renewal may have other things going on and won't even be in the office.
2. Some inspectors go on duty at 6am, meaning they go off duty at 230pm. (granted I like the idea of being off work really early, but getting up at 4am just is not my idea of fun).
3. If the day in question happens to be on a Monday or a Friday, bear in mind that some inspectors are on a 4 day, 10 hours a day work week and may not even be there at all.

So do yourself a favor and make use of that big window for renewal. You can renew any time during the month of expiration or any time in the two months PRIOR to the month of expiration. If you turn into a pumpkin on January 31st, you can renew any time after November 1st.

 

[RefugePilot]

Why not just take a ride with the local DE?

Because I haven't flown a single in almost 2 years, and it is cheaper to take an online test than rent a plane.

I fly freight 5 days a week and if I do get a week day off it is never reliable.

Besides I would never voluntarily fly with an FAA employee in the plane if I did not have to.

Thanks for the heads up on the visit to the FSDO requirement. I figured I take the test online and I am good to go. Fortunately the FSDO is right next door to my work.

While I am in there, I think I will fill out an application. I don't like my alarm going off at 4am but it does and i do not get out of work at 230.

 

[Princedietrich]

Hey refuge, check yer PMs.