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 remove the 24-month expiration date on flight instructor certificates, replacing it with recent experience requirements and a three-month grace period.
This change aims to reduce the burden and costs for flight instructors, align their certificates with other non-expiring airman certificates, and support the aviation industry amidst pilot and instructor shortages.
The proposal introduces several new methods for flight instructors to demonstrate recent experience and renew their certificates, such as endorsing at least five students with an 80% first-attempt passing rate or teaching under the FAA-sponsored Wings program.

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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.