Keeping the instructors rating current?

[flyboy1818]

Last year I made the move from instructing to flying a very nice bizjet :ok:

I'm very happy in business aviation and have no intentions of moving onto the airlines, my current aspiration is to move into the left hand seat at some point (next 3-5 years).

My instructors rating expires this year and I would like to know the opinion of other ex-instructors. Have you kept the rating current? Has it been a valuable asset for you? Has it made the eventual transition onto TRI/TRE or SFI any easier?

[ksjc]

"If you work hard to get a license for something never let it go." Heard that once years ago and it stuck with me.

I "graduated" from flight instructing in 1989 and still keep a current CFI with the help of AOPA's CFI online renewal program every 2 years.

At 51 years old and 12,000 hours in the books I don't see going back to CFIing even in the worst of times but still can't let it go.

In practical terms I am so out of touch with light aircraft GA ops and all things associated that have changed over 25 years that I would probably make a poor initial instructor anyway. Been flying jets since and probably have logged a grand total of 30 hours SEL since 1990 although I have been a company instructor and FAR 135 check pilot in jets and certainly my CFI certificate and experience helped me during that point in my career.

A 2 year CFI renewal program (in the US) is only $120 and can be done online. Keep your CFI current.

[portsharbourflyer]

ksjc,

If only it was that cheap in EASA land.

The seminar is about £270 and flight test (Examiner FEE + aircraft hire) needed in EASA land if you are not currently instructing probably totals up around another £400, so in total £700 to renew an FI rating.

[ksjc]

Bummer.

As much as the world likes to bash the USA some things are better here. $120 for a 2 year CFI renewal is one of them. The FAA does not charge a fee. $20 to renew California driver's license for 5 years is another.

[B200Drvr]

I agree with KSJC, I will never let mine expire!! As it goes, it did help get a great job when I was looking in 2008. I was flying a Hawker 850 and a well paid position came up that required a valid FI rating, that took 95% of the competition away, and I got the position.
Flyboy, Although you might not need it today, at least keep it valid for a few years until you have more experience, as you never know in corporate when things suddenly change.

[No Fly Zone]

As most above note, Keep It Current. You never know when it may come in handy... Countless reasons that you may need it (or even want it) in years to come.

[BizJetJock]

And yes you do get credit for the core course for a TRI even if it has expired by a few years. It is also very useful in real expoerience terms if you make the move into the training side of corporate flying.

[flyboy1818]

Thanks everyone for the feedback!

I think I will keep the rating!:ok:

[dashman20]

Keep it and use it as long as poss.I kept mine going for over 10 yrs whilst flying turbo props and jets and it did me a lot of good-and I got a lot of pleasure from it.
When events made it impracticle to maintain I really missed it,and the skill set in my''proper' job went down too!
You already know the answer(even if you do it for free).