FAR 61.199 — CFI Reinstatement
FAR 61.199 explains how a CFI whose recent experience has lapsed can reinstate flight instructor privileges via refresher course or practical test.
In Plain English
FAR 61.199 tells a flight instructor what to do when they've let the recent experience requirements of § 61.197 lapse. To get your CFI privileges back, you file a completed, signed application with the FAA and meet one of these paths:
- Lapsed 3 calendar months or less: Complete an approved flight instructor refresher course (FIRC) — ground, flight, or both — or use one of the options below.
- Lapsed more than 3 calendar months: You must pass a flight instructor practical test under § 61.183(h) — either for a rating you already hold, or for an added rating.
- Military instructor pilots/examiners: Show that within the previous 6 calendar months you passed an Armed Forces instructor or examiner proficiency check, or completed a military instructor/examiner course earning an additional aircraft qualification appropriate to the CFI rating sought.
Why it matters: an expired CFI can't legally give instruction or sign endorsements until reinstated. Also, an old flight instructor rating on a pilot certificate is no longer valid and can't be swapped — you'd have to retake the knowledge and practical tests to get a current CFI certificate.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 61.199§ 61.199 Reinstatement of flight instructor privileges.
(a)The holder of a flight instructor certificate who has not complied with the flight instructor recent experience requirements of § 61.197 may reinstate their flight instructor privileges by filing a completed and signed application with the FAA and satisfactorily completing one of the following reinstatement requirements:
(1) If 3 calendar months or less have passed since the last month of the flight instructor's recent experience period, the flight instructor may successfully complete an approved flight instructor refresher course consisting of ground training or flight training, or a combination of both, or satisfy one of the requirements specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
(2) If more than 3 calendar months have passed since the last month of the flight instructor's recent experience period, the flight instructor must satisfactorily complete one of the following:
(i) A flight instructor certification practical test, as prescribed by § 61.183(h), for one of the ratings held on the flight instructor certificate; or
(ii) A flight instructor certification practical test for an additional rating.
(3) For military instructor pilots and pilot examiners, provide a record showing that, within the preceding 6 calendar months from the date of application for reinstatement, the person—
(i) Passed a U.S. Armed Forces instructor pilot or pilot examiner proficiency check; or
(ii) Completed a U.S. Armed Forces instructor pilot or pilot examiner training course and received an additional aircraft qualification as a military instructor pilot or pilot examiner that is appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought.
(b)(1) A flight instructor rating or a limited flight instructor rating on a pilot certificate is no longer valid and may not be exchanged for a similar rating or a flight instructor certificate.
(2) The holder of a flight instructor rating or a limited flight instructor rating on a pilot certificate may be issued a flight instructor certificate with the current ratings, but only if the person passes the required knowledge and practical test prescribed in this subpart for the issuance of the current flight instructor certificate and rating.
[Docket 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997, as amended by Amdt. 61-104, 63 FR 20289, Apr. 23, 1998; Amdt. 61-124, 74 FR 42562, Aug. 21, 2009; Amdt. 61-142, 83 FR 30279, June 27, 2018; Docket FAA-2023-0825, Amdt. 61-155, 89 FR 80052, Oct. 1, 2024]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Your CFI recent experience lapsed two months ago. How can you reinstate your privileges?
Per FAR 61.199(a)(1), since 3 calendar months or less have passed, I can file an application with the FAA and satisfactorily complete an approved flight instructor refresher course consisting of ground training, flight training, or both.
Q2What if more than 3 months have passed since your CFI recent experience period ended?
Under FAR 61.199(a)(2), I must pass a flight instructor practical test as prescribed in § 61.183(h) — either for one of the ratings already on my CFI certificate or for an additional rating.
Q3Can an old flight instructor rating on a pilot certificate be exchanged for a current CFI certificate?
No. FAR 61.199(b) states that such a rating is no longer valid and cannot be exchanged; the holder must pass the knowledge and practical tests required for the current flight instructor certificate and rating.
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Related Sections in Part 61