Revalidating FI(A) - is it worth it?

[Trim Stab]

I hold an FI(A) rating valid until end of May 2015. I am not actively using the rating at the moment. As this will be the second revalidation, I will need to do a flight test. Am I correct in thinking that the procedure and expense involved is thus no different from renewing the rating entirely?

I am just wondering whether it is worth revalidating the rating. As I am not actively using it, is there any disadvantage in letting it lapse and then renewing it if (ever) I actually need it?

[mad_jock]

I was in the same position and have renewed it once.

Didn't cost that much but didn't recover the costs.

Its more the ball ache of getting to the various places and moons aligned with the rostering gods.

Its the same as any other rating. Once its gone for a bit it gradually reverts to as if you have never held it.

I you don't use it currently forget you have it.

You will more than likely think hey I can go MEP CRI and do it that way for the same price. But when you find out about the MEP experence you need you realise that its cheaper doing a 747 rating.

[S-Works]

Its not difficult, you do a teaching presentation from one of the fixed subjects (take a look at the Examiner report form) and hen do a flown exercise.

My last one took a couple of hours total. I will do the same again this time which will be next month.

[Trim Stab]

Well is it really just the same as losing any other rating?

As far as I can understand, the cost/hassle of revalidating for the second time (i.e. when a flight test is needed) is exactly the same as the cost/hassle of renewal?

My only real need for the rating at the moment is that it helps in getting freelance contracts for the the more specialised flying training that I occasionally do (survey and surveillance flying). I am fairly sure that I am never going to do any PPL training, given the low-pay levels.

[Stampe]

Very little instructing work out there at present.I manage about 30 hours per annum.I,ve just let my Flight Examiner lapse after over 30 years worn down by the ever increasing cost and complexity of maintaining it.In spite of many instructors lapsing their ratings there still seems a gross oversupply of instructors in the home counties for an ever decreasing and aging market.Pity to let it go after all the effort you will have put in but if your not going to use it the money saved can go towards your eventual renewal costs should you really need to!I,ve saved a fortune deciding to let my MEP rating lapse 13 years ago and could now pay for the course many times over with what I,ve saved.

[Whopity]

If you don't have the hours you need a Seminar and a Test to revalidate, exactly the same to renew it. Thankfully, the renewal process has not been overcomplicated so do it when you need it.

[Trim Stab]

Thanks Whopity - that is the confirmation I was after.

[mad_jock]

if you let and let it lapse is when it starts going like any other rating.

If your in GA circles is worth keeping, if not for anything else that most insurance policy's have an inclusion of Instructors rated as well as named pilots.

[n.dave]

It depends whether it is going to be Asset or Liability. Your choice.