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 to maintain their teaching privileges.
Sporty's has introduced an updated online FIRC focusing on modern technology, FAA updates, safety trends, and crucial instructional topics like effective teaching and professionalism.
The 16-hour online course offers enhanced graphics, supplemental video content, and review questions, with an optional paperless renewal service for convenience.
Completing the FIRC is generally preferred by CFIs over alternative methods (like meeting student pass rates) or the costly and stressful process of re-taking a CFI check ride if their certificate lapses.

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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.