The FAA has published a final rule removing the expiration date on flight instructor certificates and replacing it with recent experience requirements. The rule, titled “Removal of Expiration Date on a Flight Instructor Certificate; Additional Qualification Requirements to Train Initial Flight Instructor Applicants; and other Provisions” was initially proposed in the spring of 2023.
The final rule changes the 24-month expiration date on flight instructor certificates to a recent experience requirement of 24 months, similar to other pilot certificates. This results in flight instructor certificates no longer being reissued when renewed. Instead, instructors will need to maintain and demonstrate recency in order to instruct. The final rule provides that each of the five existing methods for renewing a flight instructor certificate are now methods for demonstrating recency. The FAA has also provided an additional method for demonstrating recency, completing and instructing in an FAA-sponsored pilot proficiency program (WINGS Program).
The FAA will continue to require flight instructors to submit an airman certificate and/or rating application (FAA Form 8710-1 or 8710-11) and associated documentation to the FAA upon completing the recent experience requirements. The final rule states, “(w)hile the flight instructor will not be applying to renew a certificate, using FAA Forms 8710-1 and 8710-11 to collect data is necessary to maintain an accurate record of flight instructors who are eligible to exercise their privileges. This process also supports the FAA’s ability to provide necessary data to governmental offices and industry upon request.”
Also important for flight instructors, with this final rule, the FAA is also allowing an instructor whose recent experience has lapsed by no more than three months to reinstate their privileges by taking an approved flight instructor refresher course (FIRC) rather than completing a practical test as currently required.
The final rule becomes effective December 1, 2024, and the FAA estimates the cost savings to be $5.6 million, discounted over five years.
