The FAA has proposed a rule to remove the expiration date on flight instructor certificates, aligning flight instructor certificates with other non-expiring pilot certificates.
A three-month grace period would be added allowing instructors to restore recent experience by completing a Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC). The AOPA, who has been advocating for this change since 1999, believes these changes will benefit the public, encourage expired instructors to rejoin the CFI community, and reduce administrative processing.
The proposed rule offers several options for maintaining currency, including passing a practical test, endorsing students with a high pass rate, serving in specific roles, completing an approved FIRC, or participating in the FAA's WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program.
Comments on the proposed rule can be submitted HERE until June 22, 2023.
