As of December 1, 2024, newly issued flight instructor certificates will no longer display an expiration date. Previously, in October, Gleim detailed the relevant changes from the FAA’s Final Rule in our blog. We want to address some questions you might have regarding the new requirements.
Transition from “Renewal” to “Recent Experience” Requirements
The terminology has changed: “renewal” of certificates is no longer required. Instead, establishing “recent experience” is now necessary for flight instructors.
Similar to establishing recent experience as pilot-in-command with 3 takeoffs and landings in the last 90 days, flight instructors must now gain recent experience in accordance with 14 CFR 61.197(b) within the last 24 months.
The several methods to establish recent experience include:
- Passing a flight instructor practical test, or adding a flight instructor rating
- Endorsing at least 5 applicants for a practical test with at least an 80 percent first attempt pass rate
- Completing the WINGS program with at least 1 phase in the last 12 months, 15 recognized flight activities, and 5 students evaluated, or
- Completing a flight instructor refresher course, such as the Gleim FIRC, within the final 3 months of the 24-month recent experience period
Once you have met one of the recent experience requirements, you must notify the FAA by submitting FAA Form 8710-1 (or 8710-11 for Sport CFI). These forms now include a selection for “recency” instead of “renewal”.
Alternatively, you can complete the Gleim Flight Instructor Refresher Course with Paperless Renewal Service, where Gleim will receive your completed Form 8710-1, verify course completion, and submit your application to the FAA on your behalf.
Reinstatement of Flight Instructor Certificates
Previously, there were only two options for reinstating a flight instructor certificate past its renewal date:
- Passing a flight instructor practical test for one of the ratings held, or
- Adding an additional flight instructor rating
The rule change now includes a third option for reinstatement:
- Completing an approved flight instructor refresher course within 3 calendar months after the 24-month recency period
Please note that you cannot exercise flight instructor privileges during this 3-month period. Beyond this 3-month grace period, reinstatement is only possible through the first two options.
Gleim has confirmed directly with the FAA that all three reinstatement options are available to every CFI as of December 1, 2024, regardless of whether your certificate displays an expiration date. Additionally, if your certificate has expired in the three months preceding December 1, 2024, the 3-month reinstatement through a FIRC also applies to you.
Let’s examine a few examples.
| Expiration Date | Grace Period Start | Grace Period End |
| Aug 31, 2024 | No Grace Period | No Grace Period |
| Sept 30, 2024 | Dec 1, 2024 | Dec 31, 2024 |
| Oct 31, 2024 | Dec 1, 2024 | Jan 31, 2025 |
| Nov 30, 2024 | Dec 1, 2024 | Feb 28, 2025 |
| Dec 31, 2024 | Jan 1, 2024 | Mar 31, 2025 |
Certificates that have expired in September, October, and November 2024 will be eligible for reinstatement through a FIRC, but completion may only be accomplished starting in December 2024 – the effective date of the rule. IACRA will permit the submission of the reinstatement application for these individuals.
Understanding the Recent Experience Period
A new 24-month recent experience period begins:
- In the month the FAA issued the flight instructor certificate after a practical test
- In the month the recent experience requirements are satisfied, or
- In the last month of the flight instructor’s current recent experience period, if the new requirements are met within 3 calendar months preceding the last month of the certificate holder’s current recent experience period.
- I.E. If the current recent experience period ends in December 2026 and a FIRC is completed between September and November 2026, the new recency period begins in December 2026.
If you decide to reinstate your certificate with a FIRC during the 3-month grace period, your new recent experience period starts in the month the FAA accepts your reinstatement application. For example, if your recent experience period ends in December 2026, and you complete a FIRC to reinstate in February 2027, your new recent experience period will now end in February 2029.
Besides keeping a record of your recent experience period, an official source to determine your recent experience is the FAA’s online Airmen Certificate Information website or contacting the FAA Airman Certification Branch.