clipperstall

If my CFI were to expire, does taking the CFII checkride at any point in the future renew the CFI certificate if I were to let it expire.

Why would I do this? By letting the CFI expire, it would save me the time and cost of a CFI renewal if I am planning (and I am) on getting the CFII.

I am specifically referring to 61.199(a)(2) below.

§ 61.199 Reinstatement requirements of an expired flight instructor certificate.

(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.

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 (1) A flight instructor rating or a limited flight instructor rating on a pilot certificate is no longer valid and may not be exchanged for a similar rating or a flight instructor certificate.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

clipperstall

Cubdriver

You got it right. By adding your CFII you get a two-for-one on a CFI renewal at the same time, assuming you have an expired CFI in hand. I am in the same boat, and I let my CFI expire knowing this. Since CFII is useful to do most twin engine training, I am also adding my MEI on the same checkride. You might want to add your MEI as well. Of course the two-for-one trick is no longer available after you have all 3 ratings, to keep them current in the future you will need to either teach a good deal, or use a renewal course each time they get close to expiring.

clipperstall

Does the fact that my CFI will be expired open me up to more questioning or a review of FOI's and other PTS tasks that would not normally be covered for the CFII when I go up for the oral and checkride for the additional rating (in this case the CFII)?

Cubdriver

My understanding is only the FOI is likely to be reviewed from the basic CFI list in the PTS during the exam for a CFII add-on. The reason I was told is they assume you are rusty on your teaching skills and you will need FOI skills in order to teach instrument students, so it must be good. Why it is not required to retest the basic CFI tasks is curious since the ticket will be renewed by the CFII test, and you might end up using it. But this is the case. I also am told that if you have over a hundred hours of CFI dual-given under your belt they will not bother asking FOI questions, but you are still liable for them. If you choose to add an MEI at the same time as your CFII, then you will be liable for anything or everything in the list of CFI tasks. This is why the two certs are usually tested in separate flights even if it is on the same day, because there are quite few tasks to cover. But when you think about it, an MEI is supposed to teach VFR maneuvers as well as instruments, so it makes sense to test that in a twin.

AKASHA

Another option is to keep your CFI current with no lapse by signing up at AmericanFlyers.net. Its a one-time, lifetime renewal fee of $125. It consists of an online course and chapter quizzes. You can complete it in one day if you want.

It won't be wasted money because you will eventually have to spend something for your biannual renewal. I signed up like 8 years ago or something.. paid the one-time fee and I continue to renew every two years at no additional cost.

Twin Wasp

Then get a glider rating and a glider CFI!

Cubdriver

Ah, good point you can get a glider CFI and renew the first 3 certs. But what after that? Seems like they need to come out with a glider CFII and a glider MEI.

Twin Wasp

After that, it gets expensive. Rotorcraft has 3 more CFIs. Then there's Powered Lift.

The FAA rules on instrument in a glider are complex. You have to do the first round of training in a SE plane because there is no CFI-GI. Which means you'll need a CFI-AI to do the training for a glider pilot. Unlike the motor glider training which is done by a CFI-G. I've been around a few motor gliders, there's one at the glider club with a jet. But haven't heard of a twin - yet.

clipperskipper

I've been lucky enough to get our POI to renew all my stuff when he shows up for a ramp or route check. I have all three and the FSDO's are quoting six months out for rating rides currently, it's the best option. I just got my AGI which covers ALL categories, the ASA study guide approach.

Diesel450

You could always do American Flyers, $125 one time payment for life, to renew online.

Flight Instructor Renewal Courses - American Flyers