CFI Renewal - for those residing outside the US

[Transsonic2000]

For those who are looking to renew their CFI and are residing outside the States. I can recommend AceCFI - Online Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC) | The Leader in Flight Instructor Renewal you get a very good value for the price! It's 60$ for life-time-renwal and another 25$ for the online paperwork service. To my knowledge that's the best price I'm aware of, other providers usually charge more for the online FIRC.

But the thing I like best about the AceCFI FIRC is that the entire paperwork service is done completely online, no need for a trip to the embassy for getting the graduation certificate notarized (affidavit) that saves you time and money! In the past I used to renew my CFI with another (big or well known) online course provider, but I always had to travel to the next US Embassy to get my paperwork notarized which was kind of annoying.

If you prefer a weekend FIRC (and you are living in Europe) go to www.aviationseminars.com they have a course twice a year in Frankfurt (Germany).

Hope this was of any use, at least for a few fellow CFIs.

Safe-skies!

[James331]

I just renewed mine with the King program, the program also takes care of all the FSDO paperwork for you and even emails you your temp certificate.

Took me next to no time to complete and I even got a new security awareness certificate with it too.

Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC)?Online

[NGFellow]

I have used American Flyers for over a decade while being overseas for the $100 lifetime fee. However, I still have to go to the Embassy for the Notary and Express Mail my stuff which costs more than $100. So looks like the option suggested is good.

[Transsonic2000]

I used to renew my CFI with American Flyers as well, but as already mentioned, getting the paperwork notarized was a bit inconvenient, especially if you live outside the US. I must say I'm absolutely happy with AceCFI not only because of the online "paperwork" service (which actually means "paperless" its all done online, which means no trip to the embassy or notary) but I also have the impression that the course is less extensive as the one of American Flyers. The course of AF includes some additional stuff (e.g. videos etc.) which is a nice addition to the course, but not really relevant in terms of FRIC requirements. With AceCFI it's possible to get your CFI renewed in as little as a week, meaning form getting started until you receive your temporary CFI certificate via Email (even if you're outside the US, provided you study every evening). If you are really fast you can probably do it in less time, but that would mean studying all day.

[Sikpilot]

Very interesting. I have been using GLEIM to renew my CFI for the last 16 years but I am now out of the country and what a pain in the butt it was to get to the embassy and then have the paperwork FEDEXed. The added costs were $50 for the embassy, $40 for FEDEX and $100 to get to the embassy.

So I can take the course and NEVER have to show up anywhere or sign anything in person?

What does the course entail? GLEIM was 16 separate lessons, each with a 10 question test.

Thanks so much

[Transsonic2000]

So I can take the course and NEVER have to show up anywhere or sign anything in person?

That's correct, as mentioned above. If you renew with AceCFI that's all done electronically and how it's done is explained on their website after you've completed the FIRC course.

What does the course entail? GLEIM was 16 separate lessons, each with a 10 question test.

The course consists of 12 lessons (each ends with a quiz of 5 questions) and a final exam at the end which consist of 15 questions, reviewing questions/topics of the previous lessons.

[sapperkenno]

With American Flyers, you don't actually have to get anything notarized, or mail any paperwork, the whole application can be done online once the FIRC is completed. Then you print out and sign your temporary airmen certificate, and wait for the plastic one to arrive in the mail.
This service has only been available for the last year or so, as last time I renewed, it was the old way with a notary and mailing paperwork, but this time (a month ago) it was entirely online. So AceCFI may be cheap, but I think all the other providers will offer an entirely online process soon, so stay where you are before you go paying them $60.

[ahwalk01]

Yeah the American Flyers one looks pretty good, there is a fee each time you renew if you want them to take care of the paperwork, but no notary.

You can also renew CFI by mail which requires the notary aspect, but nothing for online.

Now it's just a case of finding a way of using the CFI certificates in the UK! (Suggestions welcomed!)

[Transsonic2000]

Now it's just a case of finding a way of using the CFI certificates in the UK! (Suggestions welcomed!)

As long as it is a N registered aircraft you can give all CFI services, e.g. (basic) flight training, Flight Reviews etc. You could as well give a Flight Review, IPC in a none N-reg. aircraft, provided that the PIC holds the appropriate license (JAA/EASA) according to the aircraft registration and of course is current, in terms of JAA/EASA requirements.