Sporty's Releases Updated FIRC

All new program launches for flight instructor refresher course.

Meg Godlewski

Monday, May 15, 2023 at 05:04 PM ET

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The flight instructor refresher course became a requirement in 1965. [Photo: iStock]

Key Takeaways:

Flight Instructors (CFIs) are mandated by FAR 61.197 to complete a Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC) every two years for certificate renewal, or meet specific student endorsement criteria.
Sporty's has released an updated online FIRC, focusing on modern aviation technology, weather, FAA updates, safety trends, and effective teaching methods to make the renewal process more enriching.
The new Sporty's FIRC provides the required 16 hours of content through enhanced graphics, supplemental videos, review questions, and quizzes, with optional paperless renewal service for convenience.
CFIs can access the Sporty's FIRC, along with other training courses and FAA handbooks, by creating a free Sporty's CFI account.

See a mistake? Contact us.

On July 23, 2023, I will mark my 20th anniversary as a flight instructor. The expiration date on my certificate, however, is a few months earlier, because I was one of the CFIs who, during the pandemic, decided to do my flight instructor refresher course (FIRC) as early as possible. That’s because I knew the FAA was operating with minimal staff, and I didn’t want my renewal to be delayed.

Per FAR 61.197, with certain exceptions, the CFI needs to do a FIRC every two years to maintain privileges as an instructor. This comes in addition to completion of a flight review, which all pilots must do every two years.