So, a FI can do everything a CRI can AND train ab initio students too??
I think actually there are a couple of loopholes that mean that a CRI can actually do MORE than a new FI(R), something around night flight. I need as a FI(R) to do additional work to be allowed to instruct at night; I don't think this applies to a CRI. I've still got both ratings on my licence; hopefully I'll have all the restrictions removed by the time renewal comes around and I can let the CRI lapse.
TheOddOne