CFI confusion could crimp currency, cause checkrides
AOPA answers expiration date removal questions
While certificated flight instructors benefit from the removal of expiration dates on their certificates, the recently published regulation changes (most of which take effect December 1) created confusion that could lead to loss of privileges for some.
A number of members contacted AOPA with questions following publication of the final rule October 1, and the AOPA Air Safety Institute published detailed guidance including answers to 16 frequently asked questions on the topic.
Nearly all provisions—including a new three-month grace period allowing CFIs to restore lapsed currency via a flight instructor refresher course, without a checkride—take effect December 1. One particular revision to FAR 61.51 regarding pilot logbooks will take effect March 1, 2027.
AOPA emphasized in its online guidance that while flight instructor certificates issued after December 1 (without expiration dates) will not expire, flight instructor privileges will, and CFIs will need to comply with recent experience requirements during the preceding 24 calendar months. Certificates that expire before December 1 must be renewed. Such certificates will not be eligible for the three-month reinstatement period, and a checkride would be required to reinstate privileges if the certificate expires.
The You Can Fly program and the Air Safety Institute are funded by charitable donations to the AOPA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. To be a part of the solution, visit www.aopafoundation.org/donate.
