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Flight training is one of the most rewarding journeys a pilot can take, but ensuring you're learning from a qualified instructor is just as important as logging hours in the cockpit. A recent article from AOPA highlights the importance of verifying your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) credentials before starting or continuing your training.

The FAA requires CFIs to renew their certificates every 24 months, and while most flight schools and instructors stay current, mistakes happen. Training with an expired CFI could mean your hard-earned flight time doesn’t count toward your certificate or rating. To avoid this, take a few simple steps:

1. Ask to See Their Certificate & ID: A current flight instructor should have no problem showing both.
2. Use the FAA Airmen Inquiry Tool: This online database lets you verify an instructor’s status.
3. Check Their TSA Approval: If training under Part 141 or as a foreign student, ensure compliance with TSA regulations.

At iFlightPlanner, we’re committed to providing pilots with the tools they need for safe, efficient flight planning. While not exhaustive, our Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Directory features instructors who have used iFlightPlanner and opted to be listed. If you're searching for a CFI, it’s a great place to start!

» Read the full article HERE on AOPA.org.

The FAA has proposed a rule to remove the expiration date on flight instructor certificates, aligning flight instructor certificates with other non-expiring pilot certificates.

A three-month grace period would be added allowing instructors to restore recent experience by completing a Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC). The AOPA, who has been advocating for this change since 1999, believes these changes will benefit the public, encourage expired instructors to rejoin the CFI community, and reduce administrative processing.

The proposed rule offers several options for maintaining currency, including passing a practical test, endorsing students with a high pass rate, serving in specific roles, completing an approved FIRC, or participating in the FAA's WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program.

Comments on the proposed rule can be submitted HERE until June 22, 2023.