Flight instructors in the US must take refresher courses every two years, covering changes in industry standards and technology. The courses cost around $200 and can be completed online, with additional options available for in-house certification. Failure to complete the courses can lead to certification expiration and loss of license.
Typically, refresher courses are required for flight instructors every two years in the United States. The upgrade includes both the classroom and a flight exam in the form of a check ride. It is common for most flight instructor refresher courses to be held over the weekend, and most instructors can complete the refresher course in 16 hours. An option available to many instructors looking to upgrade is the ability to complete the majority of the course online.
Some of the topics covered in the flight instructor refresher course are changes to industry training standards, upgrades to technologically advanced aircraft, and new weather analysis products used to improve weather planning. The aim of taking the refresher course is to be able to provide a maximum level of training for new pilots. Changing technology requires any educator to stay abreast of updates in the subject they are teaching, and flight instructors fall into this group. Failure to complete mandatory flight instructor refresher courses often leads to expiration of a flight instructor certification and loss of license.
Not all flight instructor refresher courses are the same. Some of the best courses will include a balanced classroom curriculum, lectures and hands-on training to keep classes interesting. The usual cost for a refresher course is approximately $200 dollars (USD). There are, however, additional costs for course options such as in-house certification. This option allows you to obtain your updated certification certificate directly from the course provider, instead of traveling to your local Federal Aviation Association (FAA) office and obtaining a temporary certificate.
There are flight instructor re-certification courses for airplanes and helicopters, which are usually combined. In many areas, an aerobatic flight instructor re-certification course is also required and often requires actual flying and classroom periods. It is important that you track your certification and schedule refresher courses well in advance, as most classes fill up quickly.
If you are asked to upgrade a flight instructor, you must normally do so within three months before your certification expires. The 24-month period between upgrade requirements begins the day after completing the most recent upgrade course. It is often much easier and less expensive to complete the flight instructor upgrade in time, rather than allowing your certification to expire and then applying for reinstatement.
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