- I need to renew my
flight instructor certificate within the
next few months. What are my options
available to me?
You have several
options available to you, each with their
own advantages:
- Attend an
approved Flight Instructor Refresher
Clinic at Heritage Flight Academy
- Take a practical
test with the FAA or an authorized
designated examiner.
- Present a record
of training showing that during the past
24 months you have endorsed at least
five students for a practical test, and
at least 80 percent (four students)
passed on the first attempt.
- Present a record
that shows within the past 24 months
that you have served as a company check
pilot, chief flight instructor, company
check airman, or flight instructor in a
Part 121 or Part 135 operation, or in a
position involving the regular
evaluation of pilots in which the FAA
inspector is acquainted with the duties
and responsibilities of the position,
and has satisfactory knowledge of its
current pilot training, certification,
and standards.
- I have been told that
the FAA requires identification when
submitting the 8710 form. What do I need to
bring with me to the Heritage Flight Academy
(FIRC)?
You need a photo ID
containing your picture, your current
residential address, and a signature.
Ideally, these three items should be on one
identification card, and a driver's
license is the preferred form. You
can use more than one form of ID to
establish your identification, such as a
military ID or passport. Your application
form must contain your residential
address, and your ID must have that same
address. If you have no residential address
(PO BOX) then you must draw a map
showing where you live; bringing a pre-made
map with you when you come to the FIRC will
save you considerable aggravation.
- FAR 61.197 permits
you to submit an 8710 form for renewal
within (4) months of your Certificate's
expiration and still keep your original
expiration month. How is the renewal window
determined?
The renewal window is four (4) calendar
months prior to your expiration date.
In other words, if your certificate expires
in July, you could complete our Flight
Instructor Refresher Clinic as early as
April 1st and then submit your application,
and you would retain your original
expiration date of July.
- What if my flight
instructor certificate has expired? Can I
still renew on the basis of graduating from
an Approved Flight Instructor Refresher
Clinic (FIRC)?
You must hold a
valid, unexpired flight instructor
certificate at the time you submit your
application for renewal. Although attendance
at HFA's (FIRC) certainly would be
beneficial from a knowledge standpoint, it
could not be used as the basis for
your renewal.
- What are my options
for renewal if my instructor certificate has
already expired?
You have one option —
a checkride with the FAA or Designated Pilot
Examiner. The FAA refers to this as a
"reinstatement." The good news is that you
don't need to take a knowledge test, and one
ride will suffice to renew all the ratings
listed on that expired flight instructor
certificate.
- I hold a flight
instructor certificate with airplane and
helicopter ratings. Will attendance at a
FIRC program renew both ratings?
The regulation does not
require you to attend an airplane or
helicopter FIRC program. You may attend
any FIRC program and renew all the
ratings on your flight instructor
certificate.
- The FAA requires a
flight instructor to have a certificate in
his or her "physical possession," Will I be
able to instruct if I surrender my
certificate for renewal at your program?
FAR 61.3(d) also
states "...or other documentation acceptable
to the administrator." You may carry your
graduation certificate as evidence that you
hold a flight instructor certificate until
you receive your temporary certificate.
- Do I have to
surrender my certificate for renewal at the
FIRC, or can I take my graduation
certificate and 8710 form directly to the
local FSDO (Flight Standards District
Office) for renewal?
You do not have to
renew your certificate at the program. You
may choose to take your application and
graduation certificate directly to the FSDO
for renewal. If you do, make sure you submit
your application before your certificate
expires and within three calendar months
after your FIRC graduation month.
- My medical
certificate expired last month. Do I need a
current medical certificate to renew my
flight instructor certificate at your
program?
No. A current medical
is not required to renew your flight
instructor certificate.
- When filling out the
8710 application form for my renewal, do I
need to complete section III, Record of
Pilot Time, when submitting an application
for renewal?
There is no
requirement to complete the record of pilot
time section of the 8710 form for a flight
instructor renewal.
