I might want to get my CFI current agian. Does anyone know what it will take? Would I have to retake the written tests? Would it have to be in a complex airplane or would a 152 work? Any help would be great, Thanks.

 

I think it depends how out of current you are... if you're over a year past your expiration I think you have to take the checkride all over again, whereas if you're still within that time period you can just take a refresher course.

 

I fly 121 so I'm current with some things. I'm past a year, I think I lost it in 06.

 

CFR 14 FAR 61.199 says you are going to have to take a practical test, and will have to take it in a complex aircraft per 61.183 (h), which reads "an aircraft that is representative of the category and class of aircraft for the aircraft rating sought". You intend to teach commercial students by implication of renewing the certificate even if you do not use it for that specifically. Commercial students of course require complex aircraft. On the bright side, you do not have to do most of the other stuff initial applicants do.

 

Thanks thats what I was looking for. If I haven't flown GA in a while, how many hours would it take to be ready? Thanks agian.

 

you can renew in any aircraft and all instructor certificates held will be renewed. My dad just did it a while back in a 172 and he hadn't had his cfi current since I don't know like the 80s. Category and class doesn't refer to complex; the initial cfi has to be taken in a complex though. I'd give yourself maybe two or three hours to prepare prior to the checkride.

 

Nothing screams CFI more than a guy who quotes from the FARS.

 

Just telling him what the law says. I asked a friend who is a DPE this question a few minutes ago, and he says


So, there you have an expert opinion.

You might however run into another problem. Some airplanes have a weight restriction that affects what category it may be used in. The airplane needs to be able to do spins which is allowed for utility and aerobatic category aircraft. But the airplane you want to use may have a dual certification requiring a weight limit for use in the utility category, such as a Cessna 172S Nav III which must be less than 2208 lbs. leaving the useful load at 345 pounds for everything aboard including the fuel. To fly with anyone but the lightest examiner aboard would put it in the normal category, which is not approved for spins. In that case I would present the issue to the examiner and let him decide what aircraft to use. The 152 would work if the examiner doesn't put it over gross weight.

 

Cubdriver Thanks for looking into this. I'm kicking around the idea of working for the FAA. If i do so, i need my CFI back.. Thanks....

 

Anyone know someone in NE PA that does checkrides? I'd like to get my CFI stuff back too.