FAR 61.427 — Sport CFI Reinstatement
FAR 61.427 explains how to reinstate flight instructor privileges with a sport pilot rating after failing to meet recent experience requirements.
In Plain English
FAR 61.427 tells you how to get your flight instructor privileges with a sport pilot rating back if you've let your recent experience lapse. The path you take depends on how much time has passed:
- 3 calendar months or less since the last month of your recent experience period: You can complete an approved flight instructor refresher course (FIRC) — ground training, flight training, or a combination of both. Alternatively, you can take the practical test option in paragraph (b).
- More than 3 calendar months since the last month of your recent experience period: You must pass a practical test under § 61.405(b) or § 61.183(h) for one of the ratings on your flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating. Passing this test reinstates all privileges authorized by that certificate.
Why it matters: As a sport-rated CFI, your ability to legally give instruction depends on staying current. If you slip, you can't simply keep teaching — you must follow the specific reinstatement path tied to the time elapsed before exercising instructor privileges again.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 61.427§ 61.427 How do I reinstate my flight instructor privileges if I fail to establish recent experience for my flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating?
If you fail to establish recent experience for your flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating, you must reinstate your flight instructor privileges by satisfactorily completing one of the following reinstatement requirements:
(a) If 3 calendar months or less have passed since the last month of your recent experience period, you must successfully complete an approved flight instructor refresher course consisting of ground training or flight training, or a combination of both, or satisfy the requirements specified in paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) If more than 3 calendar months have passed since the last month of the flight instructor's recent experience period, you must pass a practical test as prescribed in § 61.405(b) or § 61.183(h) for one of the ratings listed on your flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating. The FAA will reinstate any privilege authorized by that flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating.
[Docket FAA-2023-0825, Amdt. 61-155, 89 FR 80053, Oct. 1, 2024]
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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1If your recent experience for your flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating lapsed two months ago, how can you reinstate your privileges?
Per FAR 61.427(a), since 3 calendar months or less have passed, I can complete an approved flight instructor refresher course consisting of ground training, flight training, or a combination of both — or I may instead satisfy the practical test option in paragraph (b).
Q2What must you do to reinstate your sport pilot CFI privileges if more than 3 calendar months have passed since your recent experience period ended?
Under FAR 61.427(b), I must pass a practical test as prescribed in § 61.405(b) or § 61.183(h) for one of the ratings listed on my flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating.
Q3If you pass the practical test required by FAR 61.427(b), which of your flight instructor privileges are reinstated?
FAR 61.427(b) states that the FAA will reinstate any privilege authorized by that flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating — not just the rating you tested for.
Studying for a checkride?
§61.113 Privileges & Limits
Private pilot compensation, pro-rata sharing, and BasicMed limits
§61.57 Recent Flight Experience
90-day passenger, night, and instrument currency rules
§61.89 Student Pilot Limitations
Solo student limits: no passengers, no compensation, minimum visibility
§61.51 Pilot Logbooks
Logging training, aeronautical experience, and recency for certificates
§61.23 Medical Certificate Duration
First-, second-, and third-class medical requirement and validity periods
Instrument Rating Requirements
IFR eligibility and aeronautical experience
Related Sections in Part 61