What reinstating a CFI certificate means

A CFI certificate (Certified Flight Instructor) is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration and allows you to teach others to fly. If your certificate has expired or been surrendered, you cannot legally instruct until you reinstate it. The FAA has specific pathways to bring an expired certificate back into force, and the route you take depends on how long it has been inactive and whether you want to restore it to its original status or explore fresh.

Reinstatement is different from renewal. Renewal happens before your certificate expires. Reinstatement happens after it has lapsed. The FAA distinguishes between certificates that expired recently and those that have been inactive for years, because the longer a certificate sits unused, the more training and testing the FAA typically requires before you can teach again.

Key Takeaways

  • You cannot legally instruct with an expired CFI certificate, even if you hold a current pilot certificate.
  • The FAA allows reinstatement through either a formal process with testing or, in some cases, through a simplified process if your certificate expired within the last two years.
  • You will need to contact the FAA's Airmen Certification Branch directly, as reinstatement requests are not processed online.
  • If your certificate has been inactive for more than two years, you may need to pass a knowledge test and a practical exam (checkride) with an examiner.
  • Your medical certificate must be current and valid before the FAA will issue a reinstated CFI certificate.

How long your CFI has been inactive matters

The FAA treats recently expired certificates differently from those that have been inactive for years. If your CFI expired within the last two years, you may be able to reinstate it without retesting, depending on your circumstances and whether you have maintained other pilot ratings. This is sometimes called a straightforward reinstatement.

If your CFI has been expired for more than two years, the FAA typically requires you to pass both a knowledge test (written exam) and a practical test (checkride) with an examiner before reinstatement. This is because the FAA assumes your knowledge and skills may have deteriorated during the inactive period. The specific requirements can vary, so contacting the Airmen Certification Branch directly will give you the clearest answer for your situation.

Contacting the FAA Airmen Certification Branch

Reinstatement requests go to the FAA's Airmen Certification Branch, not to your local FSDO (Flight Standards District Office), though your FSDO can sometimes help you understand the process. You can reach the Airmen Certification Branch by phone at 405-954-3261 during business hours, or by mail at the address listed on the FAA website under "Airmen Certification".

When you contact them, have your certificate number ready (or your Social Security number if you do not have it), and be prepared to explain when your certificate expired and whether you have held any other pilot certificates since then. They will tell you exactly what documents and tests you need based on your specific situation. Some people find it helpful to email first with basic information, then follow up with a phone call to clarify the next steps.

Documents and information you will need

Before you contact the FAA, gather your current medical certificate and any records showing your flight time or teaching experience since your CFI expired. You will also need to know the expiration date of your CFI and whether you have maintained any other pilot certificates (such as a commercial or private pilot certificate) during the time your CFI was inactive.

If you are explore for reinstatement after more than two years of inactivity, you will need to find an examiner (called a Designated Pilot Examiner or DPE) who conducts CFI checkrides. Your local FSDO or flight school can help you locate one. The examiner will schedule your practical test once you have passed the knowledge test and the FAA has approved your reinstatement process.

The knowledge test and practical exam

If the FAA determines you need to retake the knowledge test, you will take the CFI written exam at a testing center such as PSI or Pearson Vue. You schedule this yourself once you know it is required. The test covers flight instruction techniques, aeronautical knowledge, and regulatory requirements for instructors. Study materials are widely available through flight schools, online courses, and test-prep books.

The practical exam (checkride) is conducted by a DPE and includes an oral portion and a flight portion. The oral covers your knowledge of instruction methods, aircraft systems, and regulations. The flight portion demonstrates your ability to teach and fly safely. This is similar to the checkride you took when you originally earned your CFI, though the examiner may focus on areas where your knowledge may have faded during the inactive period.

Medical certificate requirements

Your medical certificate must be current and valid before the FAA will issue a reinstated CFI. If your medical certificate has also expired, you will need to renew it with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) before the FAA can finalize your reinstatement. You cannot teach with an expired medical certificate, even temporarily.

If you are unsure about your medical certificate status, you can check it through the FAA's MedXPress system or ask your AME. Some people renew their medical certificate at the same time they pursue CFI reinstatement, since both are required to teach legally.

Timeline and next steps

The timeline for reinstatement varies. If you may have access to for straightforward reinstatement (expired within two years), the process may take a few weeks once you submit your request and required documents. If you need to retake the knowledge test and checkride, you should expect several weeks to a few months, depending on how quickly you study and how soon you can schedule the examiner.

Start by calling the Airmen Certification Branch at 405-954-3261 to confirm what you need. Write down the specific requirements they give you, ask for any forms or checklists they recommend, and ask about the typical timeline for your situation. Once you know what is required, you can plan your study schedule and examiner search accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I teach while my reinstatement is being processed?

No. You cannot legally instruct until your CFI certificate is officially reinstated and issued by the FAA. Teaching with an expired certificate is a violation of federal aviation regulations, even if your reinstatement process is pending.

What if I let my CFI expire but I still have a current pilot certificate?

A current pilot certificate does not allow you to instruct. The CFI is a separate certificate that must be current and valid. You can fly as a pilot, but you cannot teach until your CFI is reinstated. The two certificates are independent.

Do I have to take the checkride at the same location where I originally earned my CFI?

No. You can take your reinstatement checkride with any Designated Pilot Examiner who conducts CFI practical tests, anywhere in the country. You are not required to return to your original location or examiner.

What happens if I fail the knowledge test or checkride during reinstatement?

If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it after a waiting period (usually 30 days). If you fail the checkride, you can request another checkride with the same or a different examiner. There is no limit to the number of attempts, but each attempt costs money and takes time. Many people study longer or take a refresher course before retrying.

Is there a cost to reinstate my CFI?

The FAA does not charge a fee for the reinstatement process itself. However, if you need to take the knowledge test, that costs money at the testing center (typically $150 to $200). If you need a checkride, the DPE charges a fee for the practical test (typically $400 to $800, depending on the examiner and location). You may also want to budget for study materials or a refresher course.