The recently proposed NPRM creating a permanent CFI certificate (renewed by endorsement for recognized activity) misses many great opportunities to inspire and motivate our talented aviation educators (CFIs). With some simple modifications, CFI renewal could again be a powerful tool to recognize and build the professionalism of our aviation educators. This is critical because our CFIs are the “primary influencers” of aviation safety and professionalism. Good, experienced, CFIs are in short supply in our aviation industry.
Unfortunately, the current FAA proposal, as written, is only designed to save the FAA big bucks while continuing the same mind-numbing FIRCs (the flat-rate version of which seems to get worse every year). A FIRC may be a good tool for an inactive CFI to retain privileges, but “just getting by” certainly misses many opportunities to improve and advance our aviation industry. True professional aviation educators strive to continually improve their techniques and knowledge; these are the “Master Instructors!”
The rigorous MCFI program requires 500 Continuing Educational Units (CEUs)every 24 calendar months and far exceeds the perfunctory educational value of the standard Flight Instructor Renewal Clinic (FIRC)… It is time the FAA recognized this program and incorporated it into 61.197.
In addition to MCFIs, there are many very qualified senior CFIs who no longer teach primary flight training but focus on advanced or transition training. These professionals should clearly be approved for CFI renewal. If we apply an expanded version of the FAA concepts of “equivalent level of safety” or “accepted means of compliance” (airworthiness) there is a whole category of advanced CFI activities that need to be recognized for renewal. These could be written into the new CFR 61.197 or listed in the existing FAA WINGS program. Our aviation industry desperately needs to motivate and inspire committed professional CFIs to stay in flight training. SAFE has commented to this NPRM that new CFIs who accomplish the full SAFE CFI-PRO™ course or achieve Master Accreditation should be qualified for CFI renewal. This proven program advances new CFIs “from good to great,” and far exceeds the requirements of an FAA FIRC.
Instead of motivating CFIs to stay longer in flight training the FAA NPRM proposes reducing the qualifications necessary for CFIs to train initial instructor ratings. Five test recommendations with an 80% pass rate would qualify a CFI to teach initial CFIs. This is just lowering the bar to compensate for the increasing scarcity of qualified educators. Already 2/3s of “active CFIs” have been taught for less than a year. The FAA is proposing further lowering the educational standards for CFI educators (SAFE does not agree). SAFE advocates for enhancing CFI professionalism by recognizing Master Instructors and building our profession.
If you agree with a more productive version of the new FAA NPRM, please send your comments to the FAA supporting this opportunity before June 22nd. Fly safely out there (and often)! See you at #OSH23
