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13. IACRA. Authorized individuals are encouraged to utilize IACRA for the purpose of accepting a student pilot application. IACRA is a Web-based certification/rating application system that guides the user through the FAA’s application process. IACRA may be accessed on the Internet at https://iacra.faa.gov/iacra/. The Web site also contains an instruction manual for additional assistance.
14. CFI REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR ACCEPTING AN APPLICATION FOR A STUDENT PILOT CERTIFICATE. In order for a CFI to accept a student pilot application, the CFI must be registered in IACRA as the role of “Recommending Instructor.” The CFI may proceed to the IACRA Web site and click on the “Register” link within the “Login” window.
The next screen will permit the CFI to select the “Recommending Instructor” role under the “Instructors” heading. The CFI should follow the onscreen prompts to complete the registration.
Even though the instructor is utilizing the role of a certifying officer, his or her signature will be reflected in the “Instructor Action” section of FAA Form 8710-1.
15. DPE, ACR, ASI/AST ROLE TO USE FOR PROCESSING STUDENT PILOT APPLICATIONS. When a DPE, ACR, ASI, or AST is processing an application for a student pilot certificate, that authorized individual should utilize the role of “Recommending Instructor.”
16. ESTABLISHING ELIGIBILITY. In accordance with § 61.193(b), before processing an application for a student pilot certificate, the authorized individual must ensure the applicant meets the eligibility requirements of § 61.83 as well as verify the applicant’s identity. The authorized individual should use AC 60-28 and the ICAO Web site to prepare for the assessment.
The AC outlines the required procedures to ensure the applicant meets the FAA AELP standards.
The ICAO Web site can be found at http://cfapp.icao.int/rssta/RSSTA.cfm. After conducting an assessment of the applicant’s English language proficiency, in accordance with AC 60-28, if it is determined the applicant does not meet the FAA standard, process the application by:
a. When utilizing IACRA, answer the questions concerning FAA AELP. The system will recognize if the applicant has or has not met the FAA AELP and process the application as necessary. No additional paperwork will be required to be mailed to the jurisdictional FSDO.
b. When utilizing a traditional FAA Form 8710-1, if it is determined the applicant does not meet the eligibility requirements of § 61.83, the authorized individual will check the “Reject Student Pilot Certificate Application” box in the appropriate section on the last page
(e.g., Instructor Action section, Designated Examiner or Airman Certification Representative Report section, etc.). The authorized individual will also check the box in the FAA AELP statement at the bottom of the last page on the application, “does not meet FAA Aviation English Language Proficiency.” After verifying the application is complete, forward this application to the jurisdictional FSDO for data entry and processing, even if the applicant does not meet the eligibility requirements. The address and contact information for the jurisdictional FSDO can be found at http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/fsdo/.
NOTE: If the applicant does not meet the eligibility requirements of § 61.83, DO NOT check the accepted box. The accepted box should only be checked once it is determined the applicant meets the eligibility requirements. Check the rejected student pilot application box and continue processing the
Par 16 Page 10 application. The terms “accept” and “reject” are used to notify AFS-700 if the applicant does or does not meet the requirements for the issuance of a student pilot certificate. If the applicant does not meet the eligibility requirements, the application should still be processed and mailed to the jurisdictional FSDO or AFS-700, as appropriate.
17. APPLICATION PROCESS UTILIZING IACRA. A person who meets the eligibility requirements of a student pilot certificate may register as an applicant through IACRA, which stores FAA Form 8710-1 electronically until an authorized individual accesses the form. FAA Form 8710-1 may be accessed by an authorized individual by searching for the person’s unique FAA tracking number (FTN) assigned by an FAA internal system after the person has completed the required items on the student pilot application form. The authorized individual will verify that the applicant meets the regulatory eligibility requirements and that the application has been completed properly. Additionally, the authorized individual will verify the applicant’s identity and input the photograph identification data into IACRA when prompted according to paragraph 7 above. Once the authorized individual has completed the application through IACRA, it will be transmitted electronically to AFS-700 for processing. The student pilot applicant can expect the pilot certificate to arrive via the U.S. Postal Service approximately 3 weeks from the date of application submission.
18. APPLICATION PROCESS UTILIZING TRADITIONAL FAA FORM 8710-1.
Applicants have the ability to apply for a student pilot certificate in paper format on the FAA Form 8710-1 to ensure all applicants have the uninterrupted ability to apply for an FAA student pilot certificate. The same information captured on the paper FAA Form 8710-1 is captured within IACRA. Once it is verified the applicant meets the eligibility requirements of § 61.83, the authorized individual will check the “Accepted Student Pilot Certificate Application” box in the appropriate section. The authorized individual will also select the “meets FAA Aviation English Language Proficiency” box in the FAA AELP statement at the bottom of the last page of the application. Once the authorized individual has verified that the application was completed in accordance with the form’s instructions and FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS), Volume 5, Chapter 1, Section 3 (http://fsims.faa.gov/), the authorized individual will send the completed student pilot application to their jurisdictional FSDO for data entry. The address and contact information for the jurisdictional FSDO can be found at http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/fsdo/. Once the data is captured, the FSDO will mail the application file to AFS-700 via first-class mail to the following address:
DOT/FAA, Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125. The FAA notes that the submittal of a paper FAA Form 8710-1 may delay the issuance of a student pilot certificate because of mailing time to AFS-700. Once AFS-700 receives the student pilot application, the student pilot applicant can expect the pilot certificate to arrive via the U.S. Postal Service approximately 3 weeks from the date of application submission.
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19. DOCUMENTATION OF IDENTIFICATION ON TRADITIONAL FAA FORM 8710-1. CFIs accepting a person’s application for a student pilot certificate should review the person’s photograph identification presented at the time of application to confirm it is current and valid. The flight instructor should document the type of identification and number submitted (e.g., Virginia driver’s license number A12345678 and expiration date xx/xx/xxxx) on the FAA Form 8710-1 “Airman’s Identification” section in accordance with the guidelines in paragraph 7 above.
20. PRESOLO REQUIREMENTS AND PRIVILEGES.
a. A current paper student pilot certificate will maintain valid until its expiration date or when superseded with another airman certificate. A new student pilot certificate issued on a plastic card does not have an expiration date. However, some of the endorsements that authorize and limit a student pilot’s privileges are valid for 90 days from the date of endorsement.
Regardless of the student pilot certificate being paper or plastic, these endorsements are required to be issued in the student pilot’s logbook to exercise solo privileges, unless a higher level pilot certificate has been obtained. These endorsements must be given by an authorized flight instructor who gave the training to the student (per § 61.87(p)).
b. The following presolo requirements must be met:
(1) Before being authorized to conduct a solo flight, a student pilot must have demonstrated satisfactory aeronautical knowledge by completion of a knowledge test (refer to § 61.87(b)).
(2) Before being authorized to conduct a solo flight, a student pilot must have received and logged the flight training required by § 61.87(c) and 61.87(d) through 61.87(m), as appropriate.
(3) Satisfactory aeronautical knowledge and an acceptable performance level must have been demonstrated to an authorized instructor, in accordance with § 61.87(b).
c. The solo endorsement required by § 61.87(n) is required every 90 days for the student to be afforded continuing solo privileges.
d. A student pilot may operate an aircraft in solo flight at night provided that student has received the required flight training at night and the appropriate endorsements as required by § 61.87(o). This endorsement is also required every 90 days for the student to be afforded continuing solo privileges at night.
NOTE: A student pilot seeking a sport pilot certificate is not authorized to operate a light-sport aircraft at night, per § 61.89(c).
(1) A student pilot may operate an aircraft on a solo cross-country flight provided that student has received the training required by § 61.93(e) through 61.93(m), as appropriate, has demonstrated acceptable skills, abilities, and competency to his/her instructor who then would endorse the student’s logbook in accordance with § 61.93(c).
Par 20 Page 12 NOTE: A certificated pilot seeking sport pilot privileges in an aircraft in which the pilot does not hold category and class is required to have completed the requirement of a flight review in accordance with § 61.56 before conducting solo operations. Under § 61.56(g), a certificated pilot is not considered a student pilot when seeking solo privileges in a category/class aircraft in which the pilot is not already certificated.
(2) Except for cross-country flights described by § 61.93(b), before each solo cross-country flight, an instructor must endorse the student’s logbook per § 61.93(c). The instructor who makes the endorsement to authorize this solo cross-country flight will personally review the student’s preflight planning and preparation and attest to the correctness and preparedness of the student’s cross-country planning under the known circumstances. The instructor may add limitations to the endorsement to ensure an accurate written understanding between the student and the instructor to better ensure the safety of the flight.
NOTE: This endorsement does not need to be made by the instructor who normally provides training to the student. However, the flight instructor would have the responsibility to ensure that all other required endorsements have been previously provided, such as the endorsement required by § 61.93(b)(2)(ii) for conducting solo cross-country flights.
e. A flight instructor may authorize a student to practice solo takeoffs and landings at an airport within 25 nautical miles (NM) (or 15 NM in the case of a powered parachute) from the airport at which the student pilot is normally receiving training after meeting the requirements of § 61.93(b)(1).
f. A student pilot may be authorized to make repeated, specific solo cross-country flights that are not greater than 50 NM from the point of departure if the student meets the requirements of § 61.93(b)(2). The authorized instructor should specify in the student’s logbook endorsement the conditions under which the flights may be made.
g. A student pilot who seeks a sport pilot certificate or a recreational pilot certificate and wants to obtain privileges to operate in Class B, C, and D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, and to, from, through, or at an airport having an operational control tower, must receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in § 61.94(a) and have received a logbook endorsement in accordance with § 61.94(b).
h. A student pilot may NOT operate an aircraft in solo flight in Class B airspace or on a solo flight to, from, or at an airport located in Class B airspace unless that student pilot has received the ground and flight training and instructor endorsements required by § 61.95(a) and 61.95(b).
i. Unless there is an emergency, no student may make a solo flight landing at any point other than the airports allowed by the endorsements provided by the instructor in accordance with § 61.93.
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21. SPORT PILOT CERTIFICATION. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for the sport pilot certificate are located in part 61 subpart J.
a. An applicant for a sport pilot certificate must possess at least a valid student pilot certificate.
b. The flight instructor is given discretion in developing a training program to meet the requirements of § 61.309. The rule provides the specific minimum aeronautical experience requirements that must be met.
c. A sport pilot certificate is issued without a specific category or class listed. A logbook endorsement is required for each category and class of light-sport aircraft a sport pilot is qualified to fly.
d. The FAA has established a list of light-sport aircraft, which is available online at http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/gen_av/light_sport/media/ExistingModels.pdf.
e. An authorized flight instructor must supervise the training and experience required in obtaining additional sport pilot privileges. Additional training requirements and endorsements are established for the following additional privileges:
(1) Category or class of light-sport aircraft (§ 61.321).
(2) Operate a light-sport aircraft in Class B, C, or D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, or to, from, through, or on an airport having an operational control tower (§ 61.325).
(3) Operate a light-sport aircraft that has a maximum speed in level flight with maximum continuous power (VH) greater than 87 Knots Calibrated Airspeed (KCAS) (§ 61.327).
f. Any pilot exercising sport pilot privileges in an aircraft for which the pilot does not hold category or class privileges on a higher-level pilot certificate, does not hold the appropriate medical certificate, or is seeking sport pilot privileges must understand and comply with all sport pilot privileges and limitations, particularly the applicable operating limits and endorsement requirements in part 61 subpart J. Section 61.303 establishes which operating limits and endorsement requirements apply to the operation of a light-sport aircraft, depending on the type of certificate or rating a pilot holds and the medical eligibility requirements the pilot meets.
For example, a pilot holds a recreational pilot certificate, but not a medical certificate, and wishes to exercise sport pilot privileges. The pilot must comply with cross-country requirements in § 61.101(c), even if the flight does not exceed 50 NM from the departure airport (refer to § 61.303). The pilot must also comply with the additional training requirements and endorsements established in subparagraph 21c. (See also paragraph 20.)
g. Each pilot exercising sport pilot privileges must carry his or her logbook and other evidence of the required endorsements from an authorized instructor on each flight. Other evidence of the required endorsements from an authorized instructor may be a preprinted card or record that includes the endorsements. (Refer to § 61.51(i)(3).)
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h. A recreational pilot or higher, when exercising sport pilot privileges, is required to have an endorsement for only the category and/or class of light-sport aircraft for which he or she is not authorized to act as PIC. A sport pilot is required to have an endorsement for the category and class aircraft in which he or she is authorized to act as PIC.
22. RECREATIONAL PILOT CERTIFICATION. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for the recreational pilot certificate are located in part 61 subpart D.
a. Section § 61.101 contains all limitations that pertain to the recreational pilot certificate and outlines procedures for obtaining additional certificates or ratings. An authorized flight instructor must supervise the training and experience required in furtherance of a higher level of certificate. Each flight conducted by the recreational pilot under those provisions must be authorized by the flight instructor’s endorsement in the recreational pilot’s logbook.
b. Recreational pilots may act as PIC on a flight that is in Class B, C, and D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, and to, from, through, or on an airport having an operational control tower after having received the required training and endorsement in accordance with § 61.101(d). Recreational pilots must have their logbook in their personal possession during flight in accordance with § 61.101(d)(3).
c. Recreational pilots who want to fly beyond 50 NM from the departure airport where training was received must receive additional ground and flight training on the private pilot cross-country training requirements of part 61 subpart E and must receive an instructor endorsement in accordance with § 61.101(c). Recreational pilots must have their logbook in their personal possession when operating an aircraft in accordance in § 61.101(c)(3).
23. PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATION. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and logbook endorsement requirements for the private pilot certificate are located in part 61 subpart E.
a. An applicant for a private pilot certificate must possess at least a valid student pilot certificate, sport pilot certificate, or a recreational pilot certificate.
b. The flight instructor is given discretion in developing a flight training program to meet the requirements of part 61 subpart E. The rule provides the specific minimum aeronautical experience requirements that must be met.
c. Applicants must meet night experience requirements regardless of medical qualification considerations. The only exception is listed in § 61.110.
d. Private pilot airplane applicants must also accomplish the minimum requirement for 3 hours of control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments specified in § 61.109 in an airplane. The 3 hours of flight training in a powered-lift on the control and maneuvering of a powered-lift solely by reference to instruments (refer to § 61.109(e)(3)) do not have to be conducted by a certificated flight instructor—instrument (CFII).
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e. Except in accordance with § 61.110, a person who does not meet the night flying requirements in a gyroplane, powered parachute, or weight-shift-control aircraft (§ 61.109(d)(2), § 61.109(i)(2), or § 61.109(j)(2)) may be issued a private pilot certificate with the limitation “Night Flying Prohibited.” This limitation may only be removed by an authorized examiner or ASI if the pilot complies with the requirements of § 61.109(d)(2), § 61.109(i)(2), or § 61.109(j)(2), as appropriate.
f. Private pilots and applicants seeking a private pilot certificate must understand and comply with all private pilot privileges and limitations, including compensation or hire and expense sharing, in accordance with §§ 61.113 through 61.117.
24. COMMERCIAL PILOT CERTIFICATION. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for the Commercial Pilot Certificate is located in part 61 subpart F.
a. An applicant for a Commercial Pilot Certificate must hold at least a private pilot certificate issued under part 61.
NOTE: This may be a standard U.S. pilot certificate, or a § 61.75 pilot certificate that is based on a foreign pilot license or meets the requirements of § 61.73. The person may be able to apply for a Commercial Pilot Certificate by being able to meet the requirements of § 61.73 (i.e., able to qualify for the Commercial Pilot Certificate under the special rules for military pilots or former military pilots). If a person is basing application for a Commercial Pilot Certificate on a § 61.75 pilot certificate, the authenticity of the foreign pilot license must be verified through the person’s foreign civil aviation authority (CAA).
b. An applicant for an unrestricted Commercial Pilot Certificate with an airplane or powered-lift category rating must hold or concurrently obtain the appropriate instrument rating.
25. ATP CERTIFICATION. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for an ATP Certificate, including a restricted privileges ATP Certificate, are located in part 61 subpart G.
a. An Applicant for an ATP Certificate Must Possess One of the Following:
(1) A Commercial Pilot Certificate and an instrument (airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift) rating issued under part 61;
(2) A foreign ATP license or a foreign commercial pilot license and an instrument (airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift) rating, without geographical limitations, issued by a contracting state to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. If applying for an ATP Certificate based on holding a foreign pilot license and ratings, the authenticity of that foreign pilot license must be verified through the foreign CAA; or
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(3) Be a military pilot or former military pilot and have met the requirements of § 61.73 that qualifies the applicant for a Commercial Pilot Certificate with an instrument (airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift) rating.
b. Instructor Recommendation. An instructor recommendation is not required, unless the applicant has failed the practical test and is retesting. Applicants for retest must comply with the appropriate retest requirements of § 61.49. In addition, the instructor must sign the applicant’s FAA Form 8710-1 application for the retest.
c. ATP Certification Training Program (CTP) (§ 61.153(e)). The ATP CTP is required for applicants seeking an ATP Certificate with an airplane category multiengine class rating, or an ATP Certificate issued concurrently with an airplane type rating, and is intended to prepare the applicant to operate safely in those operations which require an ATP Certificate by rule.
After July 31, 2014, all persons seeking an ATP Certificate with airplane category multiengine class rating will be required to present a graduation certificate certifying the completion of an ATP CTP when applying for the ATP airplane multiengine class rating knowledge test.
NOTE: A restricted privileges ATP Certificate allows the holder to act as second in command (SIC) in 14 CFR part 121 operations (except flag or supplemental operations that require three or more pilots). All applicants for a restricted privileges ATP Certificate must meet the requirements of § 61.160 and, when applying for the ATP multiengine airplane knowledge test, they must present a graduation certificate certifying completion of an ATP CTP.
26. FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS OTHER THAN FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS WITH A SPORT PILOT RATING. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for the flight instructor certificate, other than flight instructors with a sport pilot rating, is located in part 61 subpart H. To be eligible for a flight instructor certificate, an applicant must:
a. Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate or an ATP Certificate with an aircraft rating appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought and that was issued under part 61.
b. Hold an instrument rating/instrument privileges (e.g., instrument privileges, as on an ATP Certificate the instrument privileges are conferred) on the applicant’s pilot certificate, if the applicant is seeking a flight instructor certificate with an airplane category, powered-lift rating, or instrument rating, and was issued under the pertinent certification requirements of part 61.
c. Have a logbook endorsement certifying that the applicant has been given the required ground and flight training and has been found competent to pass the practical test. An instructor who meets the requirements of § 61.195(h) must make the endorsement.
d. Have logged at least 15 hours as PIC in the category and class of aircraft that is appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought.
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e. For applicants applying for a flight instructor certificate with airplane and glider category ratings, the applicant must have received a logbook endorsement that attests to satisfactory demonstration of instructional proficiency of stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures in airplanes or gliders, as appropriate. A logbook endorsement that attests to satisfactory demonstration of instructional proficiency of stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures is required for the initial flight instructor certificate (for a rating in airplanes or gliders). This means, even if the applicant were to initially seek a flight instructor certificate with an airplane multiengine rating, the applicant would still be required to receive a logbook endorsement that attests to satisfactory demonstration of instructional proficiency of stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures. However, the training would be required to be performed in an airplane (most likely a single-engine land airplane) that does not contain any restrictions from spins.
27. FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS WITH A SPORT PILOT RATING. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for the flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating is located in part 61 subpart K. To be eligible for a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating an applicant must:
a. Hold a current and valid sport, recreational, or private pilot certificate with category and class ratings or privileges, as applicable, that are appropriate to the flight instructor privileges sought.
b. Have a logbook endorsement certifying that the applicant has met the aeronautical experience required by § 61.411 for the category and class privileges, as applicable, that are appropriate to the flight instructor privileges sought.
c. Have a logbook endorsement certifying that the applicant has been given the ground and flight training required by § 61.409 and has been found competent to pass the practical test. An instructor who meets the requirements of § 61.415 or § 61.429 must make the endorsement.
d. The training and experience required to obtain additional sport pilot flight instructor privileges must be supervised by an appropriately authorized flight instructor. Additional training requirements and endorsements are established for the following additional privileges:
(1) To provide training in an additional category or class of light-sport aircraft, an applicant must meet the training requirements and endorsements required in § 61.419. The applicant must successfully complete a proficiency check from an authorized instructor other than the instructor who trained him or her, and provide a completed FAA Form 8710-11 to the authorized instructor.
(2) To provide training in an additional make and model of light-sport aircraft, an applicant must have at least 5 hours of flight time in a make and model of light-sport aircraft within the same set of aircraft in which he or she provides training.
(3) To provide training in a light-sport aircraft with a VH less than or equal to 87 KCAS, an applicant must have the endorsement specified in § 61.327(a), or be otherwise authorized to operate a light-sport aircraft with a VH less than or equal to 87 KCAS.
Par 27 Page 18 NOTE: The training and endorsements are not required if you have logged flight time as PIC of an airplane with a VH less than or equal to 87 KCAS prior to April 2, 2010.
(4) To provide training to operate a light-sport aircraft in Class B, C, and D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, and to, from, through, or on an airport having an operational control tower, an applicant must have the endorsement specified in § 61.325, or be otherwise authorized to conduct operations in this airspace.
(5) To provide training in a light-sport aircraft with a VH greater than 87 KCAS, an applicant must have the endorsement specified in § 61.327(b), or be otherwise authorized to operate a light-sport aircraft with a VH greater than 87 KCAS.
e. For applicants applying for a flight instructor certificate with sport pilot rating with airplane or glider category privileges, the applicant must have received a logbook endorsement that attests he or she is competent and possesses instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures after receiving flight training in those training areas in an airplane or glider, as appropriate, that is certificated for spins.
(1) An applicant who seeks additional category and class privileges to be added to his/her flight instructor certificate with sport pilot rating in an airplane or glider would be required to receive the same training and logbook endorsement.
(2) This training would be required to be performed in a single-engine airplane or glider (preferably a light-sport aircraft) that does not contain any restrictions from spins.
f. For single-place aircraft, presolo flight training must be provided in an aircraft that has two pilot stations and is of the same category and class applicable to the certificate, rating, or privilege sought.
g. To provide ground or flight training for a private pilot certificate with a powered parachute or weight-shift-control aircraft rating, an applicant must hold at least a private pilot certificate with the applicable category and class rating; a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating or privileges, and the applicable flight instructor category and class privileges.
h. All flight instructors with a sport pilot rating or privileges must carry his or her logbook or other evidence of the required authorized instructor endorsements on all flights. Other evidence of the required authorized instructor endorsements may be a preprinted card or record that includes the endorsements. (Refer to § 61.51(i)(5).)
28. GOLD SEAL FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATES OTHER THAN FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS WITH A SPORT PILOT RATING. The specific requirements for the gold seal flight instructor certificate other than flight instructors with a sport pilot rating are contained in Order 8900.1, Volume 5, Chapter 2, Section 13. Flight instructor certificates bearing distinctive gold seals are issued to flight instructors who have maintained a high level of flight training activity and who meet special criteria. Once issued, a gold seal flight instructor certificate will be reissued each time the instructor’s certificate is renewed. Applicants for gold seal flight instructor certificates must meet the following requirements:
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a. The flight instructor must hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating (glider flight instructors need not hold an instrument rating) or an ATP Certificate;
b. The flight instructor must hold a ground instructor certificate with an advanced or instrument ground instructor rating; and
c. The flight instructor must have accomplished the following within the previous 24 calendar-months:
(1) Trained and recommended at least 10 applicants for a practical test, and at least 80 percent of the applicants passed their tests on the first attempt;
(2) Conducted at least 20 practical tests as a DPE, or graduation tests as chief instructor of a part 141 approved pilot school course; or
(3) A combination of the above requirements. (Two practical tests conducted equal the credit given for one applicant trained and recommended for a practical test.)
29. GOLD SEAL FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATES WITH A SPORT PILOT RATING. The specific requirements for the gold seal flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating are contained in Order 8900.1, Volume 5, Chapter 2, Section 12. Flight instructor certificates bearing distinctive gold seals are issued to flight instructors who have maintained a high level of flight training activity and who meet special criteria. Once issued, a gold seal flight instructor certificate will be reissued each time the instructor’s certificate is renewed. Applicants for gold seal flight instructor certificates (with a sport pilot rating) must meet the following requirements:
a. The flight instructor must hold at least a sport pilot certificate;
b. The flight instructor must hold a ground instructor certificate with a basic ground instructor rating; and
c. The flight instructor must have accomplished one of the following within the previous 24 months:
(1) Trained and recommended at least 10 applicants for an original certificate with at least 80 percent of those applicants recommended passing the practical test on his or her first attempt;
(2) Conducted at least 20 certification practical tests as an examiner or conducted 20 certification graduation tests as a chief flight instructor for an approved pilot school course; or
(3) A combination of the requirements in subparagraphs 29c(1) and (2).
(Two certification practical tests/certification graduation tests equate to one trained and recommended applicant.)
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30. RENEWAL OF A FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE. The renewal requirements for a flight instructor certificate are located in § 61.197. Renewal of a flight instructor certificate may be accomplished at any time.
a. A flight instructor certificate that has not expired may be renewed in accordance with § 61.197(a) by:
(1) Passing a practical test for one of the ratings listed on the person’s current flight instructor certificate or passing a practical test for an additional flight instructor rating.
(2) Presenting to an ASI, AST, or appropriate designee the appropriate records that verify the requirements of § 61.197(a)(2)(i) or § 61.197(a)(2)(iii) were accomplished.
(3) Presenting to an ASI, AST, or appropriate designee evidence of having graduated from an FAA-approved flight instructor refresher course (FIRC) within the preceding 3 calendar-months. The instructor’s FIRC graduation certificate should be presented to an ASI or AST at the time of application for renewal.
b. For individuals who wish to comply with § 61.197(a)(2)(ii), the FAA offers the following examples of “a position involving the regular evaluation” of pilots:
(1) Persons who regularly give aircraft checkouts at a fixed-base operator and the ASI are acquainted with the applicant’s duties, responsibilities, and quality of instruction.
(2) Title 14 CFR part 121 or 135 airline captains who regularly evaluate pilots and have satisfactory knowledge of part 61 pilot training, certification, and standards. The ASI must be acquainted with the duties and responsibilities of those pilot positions.
(3) Company check pilots for 14 CFR part 133 operations who regularly evaluate pilots and have satisfactory knowledge of part 61 pilot training, certification, and standards. The ASI must be acquainted with the duties and responsibilities of those pilot positions.
c. Provided that the certificate is renewed within 3 calendar-months before the expiration month of a current flight instructor certificate, the renewed certificate will be valid for an additional 24 calendar-months beyond the expiration date shown on the current certificate. For example:
(1) If a flight instructor renewal applicant’s current flight instructor certificate expires in August, then that applicant must accomplish one of the flight instructor renewal actions in the months of May, June, July, or August or make application to retain the month of August as the expiration month (per § 61.197(b)(2)(i)).
(2) For example, assume a flight instructor renewal applicant has August 31, 20xx, showing on the applicant’s current flight instructor certificate. The applicant completes a FIRC on June 1, 20xx, and presents his or her current flight instructor certificate, FIRC graduation certificate, and completed FAA Form 8710-1 to a FSDO on June 1, 20xx. The flight instructor certificate is renewed with a new expiration date of August 31, 20x2 (per § 61.197(b)(2)(ii)).
The month in which the flight instructor certificate expires is unchanged if the renewal applicant