FAA Proposes Changes to Flight Instructor Certificates

The alterations would make it easier for instructors to maintain proficiency and keep their certificates in line with other airman certificates that do not expire.

Amelia Walsh

Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 02:17 PM ET

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FAA's proposed changes would make it easier for instructors to maintain proficiency and keep their certificates in line with other airman certificates that do not expire. [File Photo: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA proposes to eliminate expiration dates on flight instructor certificates, replacing them with ongoing recent experience requirements.
This change aims to reduce the burden and cost for CFIs, align certificates with other airman certificates, and address the current pilot and instructor shortage.
New and expanded methods for renewing instructor privileges are introduced, including endorsing students for practical tests, completing Flight Instructor Refresher Courses (FIRCs), or participating in the FAA Wings program.
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) also outlines new qualifications for flight instructors to train other instructor applicants, and it has strong support from industry organizations like AOPA.

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The FAA is seeking comments on proposed changes to flight instructor certificates, including the removal of expiration dates, according to a newly released Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM).

The FAA’s May 23 proposal outlined several changes that would make it easier for flight instructors to maintain proficiency while keeping their certificates in line with other airman certificates that do not expire. Among the changes is eliminating the 24-month expiration on flight instructor certificates and instead establishing recent experience requirements with a three-month grace period.