FSDO, CFI Renewal

[dacm313]

Wondering if anyone has renewed there CFI certificate lately by going to a FSDO. I have the pass rate (80%) 4/5 in the past 2 years even though I am currently 121. Does anyone know how much it costs? Do they need the certificate number of the person or just the name and pass/fail. I did some searching but didnt find to much. Thanks in advance.

 

[Way2Broke]

I recently thought about doing the same thing as you are asking about, but after reading this thread I decided to just use Gleim.

(http://forums.flightinfo.com/showthread.php?t=83782&highlight=CFI+Renewal+FSDO+Late)

I don't live near the FSDO anyways, so that gave me two good reasons just to shell out the cash. If you do a search on this topic you will find lots of informative threads. Either way, good luck with the renewal.

 

[Kenny]

A couple of years ago I renewed my CFI on the basis of 80% of my students passing their rides. At the time I was 121 and all I did was take a list into the FSDO of their names and the rides they passed. Didn't cost a thing and I was out the door in 30 mins.

One thing to keep in mind, I'm pretty sure most FSDO's don't allow walk-ins, you have to ring and book an appointment.

 

[Princedietrich]

Kenny is correct. Call up the FSDO to make an appointment, and make sure you bring along an 8710 and the documentation to prove your renewal (FIRC certificate or pass rate list or whatever). All it'll cost you is maybe 15 minutes or so, no $$$ out of your pocket.

 

[dacm313]

Thanks for all of the repies, I called my DE and he said he charges 125 and I said no thanks.

 

[Way2Broke]

How many check rides did you send this DE? How much did he charge them for a private check ride?

My point being, you would think that the DE that you sent students to for check rides would help you out a little bit since you helped the DE out. I'm sure you had a choice in which DE to send your students too when you were a active CFI. If you really need to save the money call the FSDO, it will be free, but of course you will have to make a appointment and travel to the FSDO. But...... as I said before I have never heard of anyone having a easy go at renewing at the FSDO. I would recommend Gleim if you choose to renew online or an AOPA seminar if you want to blow a weekend.

 

[Princedietrich]

The FSDO option is by far the easiest and most hassle-free..... IF you have easy access to one.

The online programs are a good investment from what I've heard, although i've never used one.

I've heard that the American Flyers online FIRC is a one-time fee for lifetime access. Is this true or did I hear wrong?

 

[Way2Broke]

I've heard that the American Flyers online FIRC is a one-time fee for lifetime access. Is this true or did I hear wrong?

You heard correct, however with AF you have to pay a "fee" for them to process the paperwork each time. If not your stuck with taking the paperwork to the FSDO. Also, with AF each lesson you have to spend a set amount of time on. With Gleim you just seach the outline for the answers to the 10 questions quize and your all set.

 

[DrProc]

I renewed mine several years ago at a FSDO with my pass/fail list, I also brought along copies of each applicants 8710, but they didn't look at them. Took a max of 30 minutes, the longest thing was waiting for the guy to type up my temporary. And its FREE!!

 

[Princedietrich]

You heard correct, however with AF you have to pay a "fee" for them to process the paperwork each time. If not your stuck with taking the paperwork to the FSDO. Also, with AF each lesson you have to spend a set amount of time on. With Gleim you just seach the outline for the answers to the 10 questions quize and your all set.

Thanks for the clarification.