Airline Pilot Forums

How long are my FOI knowledge test results valid for? It was 24 months for all the other writtens but what about this test?. Can someone back it up with a FAR reference? Can't seem to find this answer in the regs.

It should be the same, 24 months, just like any other written.

All FAA knowledge tests are valid for 24 months, FOI is no different. Might as well get the ground instructor which would keep your FOI written valid indefinitely.

So Beard, lets say my FOI test validity will expire in July of 2012. Your saying if I take and pass the ground instructor written before that, my FOI validity will be good indefinetely?

No, if you read the regs, 61.183 says if you hold a GI, you do not need a FOI to get a CFI. Because in order to hold the GI you had to pass the FOI. You only have to pass the test one time. So pass the GI Basic, fill out the app and take the FOI and GI results to a FSDO and then you can do the CFI when you're ready.

Yeah, if you just get the basic or advanced ground instructor which requires nothing more than a written test, (basic Q's are from the private pilot test bank, advanced are from the comm) then your FOI written will never expire.

reg reg reg reg reg:

61.183 Eligibility requirements.
...
...
(d) Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor on the fundamentals of instructing listed in §61.185 of this part appropriate to the required knowledge test;
(e) Pass a knowledge test on the areas listed in §61.185(a)(1) of this part, unless the applicant:
(1) Holds a flight instructor certificate or ground instructor certificate issued under this part;
(2) Holds a teacher's certificate issued by a State, county, city, or municipality that authorizes the person to teach at an educational level of the 7th grade or higher; or
(3) Is employed as a teacher at an accredited college or university.
...

Your FOI written will expire but it won't matter because it isn't required once you hold an instructor certificate of any kind.