FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Regulations (14 CFR 61/91)Medium
A flight instructor's CFI certificate will expire at the end of this month. The instructor wants to renew it without taking a practical test. Which action, if completed within the preceding 3 calendar months, satisfies renewal under 14 CFR 61.197?
- ALog 25 hours of dual given in the preceding 12 months
- BPass the FAA airman knowledge test for flight instructor
- CFly 3 hours of instrument time with an examiner
- DSatisfactorily complete a flight instructor refresher course (FIRC)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Satisfactorily complete a flight instructor refresher course (FIRC)
Under 61.197(a)(2), a flight instructor may renew a certificate by presenting evidence of satisfactory completion, within the preceding 3 calendar months, of an approved flight instructor refresher course (FIRC).
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Hours of dual given alone are not a listed renewal method under 61.197.
- B. Retaking a knowledge test is not a renewal option for an existing CFI certificate.
- C. Instrument flight time with an examiner is not a recognized renewal method.
CFI Certificate Renewal (61.197)
Methods to renew an expiring flight instructor certificate without retaking a practical test, including a FIRC or activity-based criteria.
- FIRC must be completed within preceding 3 calendar months
- Alternative: 80% first-time pass rate for 5+ recommended applicants in preceding 24 months
- Can also renew by practical test
- Renewal extends certificate for 24 more calendar months
Memory trick: FIRC in the final 3 months keeps your CFI alive.