FAR 61.191 — Additional CFI Ratings
FAR 61.191 explains how to add a rating to a flight instructor certificate, including eligibility requirements and the knowledge test exemption.
In Plain English
FAR 61.191 covers what's required when a current flight instructor (CFI) wants to add another rating to an existing flight instructor certificate — for example, a single-engine CFI adding a multi-engine instructor rating, or adding an instrument instructor (CFII).
The rule has two parts:
- Eligibility requirements (61.191(a)): You must meet the eligibility requirements in § 61.183 that apply to the new rating you're seeking. That includes things like holding the appropriate pilot certificate and rating, FOI knowledge (if not already taken), and meeting any aeronautical experience requirements tied to that rating.
- Knowledge test relief (61.191(b)): You do not have to retake the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) knowledge test listed in § 61.185(a)(1). Once you've passed FOI for your initial CFI, you don't need to take it again for additional ratings.
Operationally, this means adding a rating is faster than the initial CFI: you still need the practical test and any rating-specific knowledge test, but the teaching-theory exam is one-and-done.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 61.191§ 61.191 Additional flight instructor ratings.
(a) A person who applies for an additional flight instructor rating on a flight instructor certificate must meet the eligibility requirements listed in § 61.183 of this part that apply to the flight instructor rating sought.
(b) A person who applies for an additional rating on a flight instructor certificate is not required to pass the knowledge test on the areas listed in § 61.185(a)(1) of this part.
[Docket 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997; Amdt. 61-103, 62 FR 40907, July 30, 1997]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1I'm a single-engine CFI and want to add a multi-engine instructor rating. What does the FAA require?
Per FAR 61.191(a), I must meet the eligibility requirements in § 61.183 that apply to the rating I'm seeking, which includes holding the appropriate pilot certificate and ratings and meeting the aeronautical experience for an MEI.
Q2Do I need to retake the Fundamentals of Instructing test when adding a CFI rating?
No. FAR 61.191(b) specifically waives the knowledge test on the areas listed in § 61.185(a)(1), which is the FOI, when adding a rating to an existing flight instructor certificate.
Q3When you add a flight instructor rating, what tests are still required?
Under FAR 61.191, the FOI is waived, but you still must meet the § 61.183 eligibility — which means passing any rating-specific instructor knowledge test and the practical test for the new rating.
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Related Sections in Part 61