Timing of a CFI Renewal
Getting ready to renew my CFI through the American Flyers online course (highly recommended btw). And I just want to check my understanding of 61.197 so that I can keep my expiration month the same.
My CFI expires April 30th. May I begin the online course now (December, 2012), complete it in January (2013), and make an appointment at the FSDO anytime before the end of April, 2013?
I did this four years ago, and was lectured by the FSDO inspector about how I "was taking advantage of the regulation." Two years ago, a different inspector (same FSDO) thanked me for renewing early. I am just curious if the rule or interpretation has changed, and what guys and gals are experiencing now. TIA.