EAA Submits Comments in Response to CFI NPRM

June, 2023 — EAA has responded to a recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in which the FAA is seeking comments on revising the expiration, renewal, and reinstatement requirements for flight instructor certificates. In the NPRM, the FAA is proposing to change the 24 month expiration date on flight instructor certificates to a recent experience requirement of 24 months similar to other pilot certificates. This would result in flight instructor certificates no longer being reissued, replaced with the need for instructors to maintain and demonstrate recency in order to instruct.

Each of the existing five methods for renewing a flight instructor certificate would become a method for demonstrating recency. The proposal would also add completing and instructing in a FAA-sponsored pilot proficiency program (WINGS Program) as an additional method of demonstrating recency. Additionally, the NPRM proposes allowing an instructor whose recent experience has lapsed by no more than three calendar months to reinstate their privileges by taking an approved Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC) rather than completing a practical test as currently required.