The term “permanent CFI certificate” has confused a lot of people. Your next plastic certificate from the FAA will be permanent (starting Dec. 1st), but your CFI privileges must be renewed every 24 calendar months (per 14 CFR §61.197) For more details read the full notice in the Federal Register. Just like now, after 24 months you cannot legally instruct. There is a new three-month “grace period” after your expiration to take a FIRC and regain your CFI privileges. After the three month grace period, you need an FAA checkride.
The new AC 61.65J explains the new requirements and allows a new methods for establishing recent flight instructor experience. There is a new emphasis on the “FAA WINGS method of renewal too which should boost this program (Get the EZ-WINGS app here) The AOPA is doing a bit of a disservice by saying “it is the same as a flight review.” Yes and no; the important difference is if you go past the three-month “grace period” just taking a FIRC *will not* reestablish your privileges – checkride time! This change is estimated to save the FAA some $5.6 million in administrative costs over five years. The AOPA Air Safety Institute has assembled an explanation of the changes and an extensive list of FAQs to answer any more questions. Fly safely out there (and often)!
Join SAFE and get great benefits. Enjoy 1/3 off ForeFlight (more than pays your annual dues) and your membership supports our mission of increasing aviation safety by promoting excellence in education. Our FREE SAFE Toolkit App puts required pilot endorsements and experience requirements right on your smartphone and facilitates CFI+DPE teamwork. Our newly reformulated Mentoring Program is open to every CFI (and those working on the rating) Join our new Mentoring FaceBook Group.
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