CFI Reinstated?
 

Anyone had their CFI reinstated after being expired for years?

A fellow was telling me that it wasn’t a big deal.

I know it used to be a huge hassle (like starting all over with those ratings.) I think the guy is mistaken.

If it’s expired I believe you have to take the check ride again basically. I could be mistaken though.

If it has expired you are F’d. It requires you doing the entire CFI checkride again. The 3-5 hour oral, then the flying portion. All of it.

There is a reason there are so many companies, out there, that offer FIRCs lol. Even if you never planned to teach again in your life, once you have it, always keep it current every 2 years with a Flight Instructor Refresher Course.

Your only saving grace may be this. I’ve been told sometimes if you are an active 121 Captain, you can forgo FIRCs altogether and (assuming your cool with someone at the local FSDO) you can get it renewed just by visiting them. After all, 121 CA is a leadership and teaching/developing role with your FO and crew etc.

It may be a “gray area” with the Feds, but I have a buddy in town who visits the FSDO every 2 years and that’s how he renews his. I must point out, he never let his expire.

I think even as a 121 CA, if it’s expired your probably screwed. Good luck and let us know what happens!

This is correct. It's a new check ride. FAR Part 61.199 Doesn't have to be a previous rating. A new one will suffice.

(a)Flight instructor certificates. The holder of an expired flight instructor certificate who has not complied with the flight instructor renewal requirements of § 61.197 may reinstate that flight instructor certificate and ratings by filing a completed and signed application with the FAA and satisfactorily completing one of the following reinstatement requirements:

(1) A flight instructor certification practical test, as prescribed by § 61.183(h), for one of the ratings held on the expired flight instructor certificate.

(2) A flight instructor certification practical test for an additional rating.

(3) For military instructor pilots, provide a record showing that, within the preceding 6 calendar months from the date of application for reinstatement, the person -

(i) Passed a U.S. Armed Forces instructor pilot or pilot examiner proficiency check; or

(ii) Completed a U.S. Armed Forces' instructor pilot or pilot examiner training course and received an additional aircraft rating qualification as a military instructor pilot or pilot examiner that is appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought.

(b)Flight instructor ratings.

(1) A flight instructor rating or a limited flight instructor rating on a pilot certificate is no longer valid and may not be exchanged for a similar rating or a flight instructor certificate.

(2) The holder of a flight instructor rating or a limited flight instructor rating on a pilot certificate may be issued a flight instructor certificate with the current ratings, but only if the person passes the required knowledge and practical test prescribed in this subpart for the issuance of the current flight instructor certificate and rating.

I had an FAA guy in my jumpseat who offered to renew mine no questions asked. Previously I used American Flyers, it was $99 for unlimited renewals. I had kept mine updated for almost 15 years that way. If you let it expire you must redo a checkride. Nope, not doing that again!

It's so simple to renew, a few hours every other year, JUST DO IT!

When I got my PC check airman qualification at a previous airline, our POI re-instated mine after my qualification sim.

This is kind of what I heard about.

I think you have to come across the right FAA guy.

Been so long since I instructed, I would be awful at it anyhow.

Expired CFI
 

You can engage the services of a flight school, such as American Flyers, ATP, etc. they can custom tailor a program that meets the highest level of your instructor privilege(s) you want. You can use their aircraft or yours. They have examiners on staff too.

61.197, the CFI renewal reg, used to include 121 PICs. In the late 90s a big part of 61 was changed and the reference to 121 PICs was removed. It does seem some Feds never got the outdate.

This is the route I would pursue. Except it doesn't have to be the "highest" level of privileges. You can take the check for any ONE of the ratings that's on your expired certificate, and ALL will be reinstated (14 CFR 61.199(a)(1)). When I let mine lapse a number of years ago, I elected to take just the CFI-A check, and my CFI-I and MEI were also reinstated.

And, while FAA inspectors can renew a CFI for a current 121/135 captain based on "duties and responsibilities" (see AC 61-65H for the full list of qualifying roles), unfortunately that provision does not apply to reinstatement.