FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)Instrument RegulationsMedium
A CFII's flight instructor certificate is due to expire this month. Which of the following actions satisfies the renewal requirement under 14 CFR 61.197?
- ACompleting an approved Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC) within the preceding 24 calendar months
- BLogging 24 hours of dual instruction given within the preceding 24 calendar months
- CHolding a current second-class or better airman medical certificate
- DPassing an Instrument Proficiency Check with a designated pilot examiner
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Completing an approved Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC) within the preceding 24 calendar months
14 CFR 61.197 allows renewal of a flight instructor certificate by completing an approved Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC) within the preceding 24 calendar months, or by passing a practical test, or by demonstrating an acceptable pass rate of students on their first attempt.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Hours of dual given alone do not satisfy the renewal requirement.
- C. A medical certificate is unrelated to flight instructor certificate renewal.
- D. An IPC pertains to instrument currency, not CFI certificate renewal.
CFI Renewal (61.197)
A flight instructor certificate may be renewed within the preceding 24 calendar months by passing a practical test, completing an approved FIRC, or meeting an acceptable pass-rate standard for students on first attempts.
- FIRC completion is a common renewal method
- Renewal window is 24 calendar months
- Alternative: pass a practical test for a certificate or rating
- Alternative: 80% first-attempt pass rate for at least 5 tests
Memory trick: 'FIRC keeps the CFI spark alive every 24 months.'