FIRC providers offer help after apparent AceCFI closure

AceCFI’s website, phone number, email, and social media pages all appeared to be deactivated around the time its FAA course approval expired on September 30.

Taking a FIRC is one way certificated flight instructors can keep their CFI certificate current and is designed to keep them informed of changes to rules and regulations, as well as updates to current practices related to flight instruction and, overall, enhance aviation safety.

“Within hours, AOPA started hearing from many AceCFI customers. For many, this happened right in the middle of their renewal, which is tough—and depending on how close you are to your expiration date, incredibly stressful,” said AOPA FIRC Program Manager Mary Kuehn.

In response to the closure, AOPA is offering its electronic FIRC at no cost to its members.

“The proceeds from this course typically fund the AOPA Air Safety Institute’s pilot education and safety initiatives but given how disruptive this has been to many instructors, offering the eFIRC to our affected members at absolutely no cost was an easy decision,” said AOPA President Darren Pleasance.

“By becoming a member, you directly support the future of general aviation through our advocacy efforts across the country, you get access to renowned aviation experts and medical specialists, and you receive the most widely circulated aviation magazine in the world, AOPA Pilot,” added Pleasance.

To take advantage of AOPA's offer to former AceCFI customers, AOPA members can reach out to Member Services at 800-872-2672 or [email protected].

King Schools is offering its course to any affected instructor who purchased lifetime access to the AceCFI course and whose flight instructor certificate is due to expire on or before February 1, 2026, and is charging “the same $29 certificate renewal processing fee that AceCFI charged,” according to the company. To take advantage of King Schools’ offer, instructors can call 800-854-1001.