FIRC - FAQ

FIRC Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When must I renew my flight instructor certificate?

A: A flight instructor certificate expires at the end of the 24th calendar month after the month in which it was last issued or renewed. For example, if you received your flight instructor certificate December 2009, you must renew it prior to December 31, 2011.

Q: How do I renew my flight instructor certificate?

A: You have several options to renew your flight instructor certificate:

Attend or participate in an approved flight instructor refresher clinic (FIRC), like this ASA FIRC.
Take a practical test with the FAA or designated examiner.
Present a record of training to your local flight standards district office (FSDO) showing that during the past 24 months you have endorsed at least 5 students for a practical test, and at least 80% (4 students) have passed on the first attempt.
Present a record that shows within the past 24 months 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.

Q: How do I renew a flight instructor certificate that has already expired?

A: You cannot renew an expired certificate. The FAA refers to this as a 'reinstatement.' To reinstate your license, you must take a checkride; one ride will renew all the ratings listed on your expired flight instructor certificate. Although participating in a FIRC would be beneficial from a knowledge standpoint, it could not be used as the basis for your reinstatement. You do not need to take the Knowledge Exam again, to reinstate your license.

Q: When should I begin the FIRC to ensure my certificate doesn't expire?

A: You can complete this course at your own pace; however, you should assume it will take you approximately 16 hours of dedicated study to complete the course and 3 days to mail us your paperwork. It will be best to start this FIRC 30 days prior to the date your certificate will expire.

Q: How early can I complete the FIRC to renew my certificate?

A: 14 CFR 61.197 allows you to submit an application for renewal within 4 months of your certificate's expiration date and still retain your original expiration month. However, this FIRC graduation certificate is good for only 3 calendar months. Therefore, if your certificate expires in March, you could complete a FIRC as early as January 1, submit your application, and you would retain your original expiration date of March.

Q: What happens if I participate in a FIRC more than 3 months in advance of my expiration date?

A: If you participate in the FIRC more than 3 months prior to your expiration month, your expiration date will be the same month in which you complete the FIRC; i.e. your certificate expiration date will change (to the end of the month in which you submit your paperwork).

Q: Will participation in this FIRC renew both my airplane and helicopter ratings on my flight instructor certificate, or must I attend one program for my airplane rating and another for my helicopter rating?

A: You may participate in a single FIRC program and all the ratings on your flight instructor certificate will be renewed.

Q: I added an instrument rating to my flight instructor certificate 12 months ago. Do I need to renew my flight instructor certificate in another 12 months (24 months from the original issuance), or does the rating I just added extend the renewal period?

A: The rating you just added to your flight instructor certificate 'reset' the renewal clock. Your flight instructor certificate should now show an expiration date 24 months from the date you obtained that rating. That new date is your expiration date.

Q: Do I need a current medical certificate to renew my flight instructor certificate?

A: No. A current medical is not required to renew your flight instructor certificate.

Q: How will I get my new flight instructor certificate once I complete the ASA FIRC?

A: Within 3 days of completing the course, you must meeet with your local FSDO to complete the renewal (the examiner there will sign your 8710.1 form and mail in your documentation)—or you can mail the following documentation to ASA:

A copy of the graduation certificate you receive upon completion of the last Stage Exam.
A copy of both sides of your pilot certificate (Commercial or ATP).
Your original (hardcopy) flight instructor certificate (valid and current).
Photocopy of your official picture ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID card) that includes your photo, name, physical address, and signature. If you use a military ID card, both sides of the ID card must be photocopied, since the picture is on the back side. You cannot use a company photo ID issued by an employer. Be sure your driver's license is current and shows your correct address.
An affidavit/statement of Identification. If you do not wish to appear in person before the Administrator (FAA), you must establish your identity before a Notary Public, a Consular Official of the U.S. State Department, or your U.S. Armed Forces Commanding Officer. The affidavit must be attached to FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application. You must include a photocopy of the same ID which was used to complete the affidavit.
Printout of your FIRC record with exam score summary.
The completed Form 8710-1
We must receive your materials in sufficient time to be processed for renewal before the CFI and graduation certificates have expired. This means you must complete the course and mail your documentation prior to your certificate expiration date. ASA is not responsible for late or lost surface mailings.

The Graduation Certificate will substitute as a temporary Flight Instructor Renewal certificate while the 8710-1 form is being processed. You will receive your new flight instructor certificate direct from the FAA.

Q: The FAA requires a flight instructor to have a certificate in his or her "physical possession," how do I continue instructing while ASA is processing my FIRC paperwork?

A: The FIRC graduation certificate is acceptable documentation. You may carry your graduation certificate as evidence that you hold a flight instructor certificate until you receive your new certificate.

Q: I'm not comfortable mailing my original flight instructor certificate. Do I have to complete the paperwork processing with ASA, or can I take my graduation certificate and application directly to the local FSDO for renewal?

A: You may take your application and graduation certificate directly to your local FSDO for renewal. If you do, make sure you submit your application before your flight instructor and FIRC graduation certificates expire (the graduation certificate is valid for 120 days). Be aware you must have an appointment with the examiner at the FSDO before bringing your paperwork in for renewal.

Q: How much of the ASA FIRC is completed on the internet?

A: The ASA FIRC requires an internet connection (high-speed recommended) to complete; approximately 80% of the course will require you be connected to the internet. The remaining 20% is complete using your DVD player.