"What is the Best Way to Reinstate Helicopter CFI Expired License?"

Jan 16, 2025

In the aviation world, maintaining your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) license is of utmost importance. Life happens, and sometimes, we find ourselves facing an expired CFI license. The latest from Kenny Keller, the creator of Helicopter Online Ground School (H.O.G.S.), dives into the process of reinstating an expired CFI License, and the steps on how to avoid it.

 

 

Understanding the Reinstatement Process for Expired CFI Licenses

Kenny Keller, a seasoned helicopter flight instructor with 24 years of teaching experience, explored this perennial question on reinstating an expired CFI license. The only way to reinstate an expired CFI license is to undertake a checkride. This isn't your standard renewal process—it requires scheduling with an examiner, preparing for an oral and flight test, and meeting face-to-face with the examiner.

The Check-ride: What to Expect

When Kenny's CFI license expired, he had firsthand experience with this daunting process. He emphasized that the reinstatement check-ride includes:

1. Oral Examination: Covering foundational knowledge areas you teach as a CFI, including private pilot topics.
2. Flight Test: Demonstrating proficiency in flight maneuvers.

Kenny candidly admitted that he underestimated the difficulty of the reinstatement checkride, even though he had a longstanding relationship with his examiner. His oral exam lasted two hours, followed by a one-hour flight test, revealing the comprehensive nature of the assessment.

Preparing for Your Reinstatement Check-ride

Kenny's advice is clear: Do not underestimate the preparation needed. Refresh your knowledge, particularly in areas like private pilot studies. He recommended the H.O.G.S. Private Pilot Study Guide put together by Brian Rutledge, which contains an extensive compilation of 400 pivotal questions. This guide acts as an excellent resource to ensure you are well-prepared for the check-ride. As Kenny stated, "Refresh your knowledge before you go for that reinstatement check-ride."

 

 

Renewal Before Expiration: Your Options

It's always best to renew your CFI license before it expires to avoid the more rigorous reinstatement process. As Kenny outlined, there are multiple ways to renew your CFI within the 24-month validity period:

1. Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) Renewal: Show that a minimum number of students have passed their check-rides on their first attempt within the last 24 months.
2. Online 16-Hour Course: Complete an FAA-approved online renewal course.
3. Instructor Refresher Courses (IRC): Attend a 16-hour refresher course over a weekend.
4. Regularly Evaluate Pilots: If you're constantly evaluating pilots, for example, as a 135 Check Airman, this can help maintain your CFI status.

New Regulation: An Additional Three-Month Grace Period

An essential update came up during the podcast: As of December 1st, 2024, a new rule grants pilots an additional three-month grace period after the expiration date to renew their CFI licenses. Jay from Helicopter Training Videos mentioned this new rule in the live chat, providing some respite for instructors running close to deadlines.

Additional Resources for Aspiring and Current CFIs

Kenny Keller also highlighted several resources available for both current and aspiring CFIs:
- Private Pilot 101- A Helicopter Training Blueprint: A free PDF covering fundamental questions and starting points for helicopter training.

- Helicopter Online Ground School: Offers specific sections for R-22 and R-44 helicopters, with updates and fresh content. As well as Private, Instrument, Commercial, and CFI Courses for you to study at your pace!

- AskHogs: a free 24/7 AI Clone of Kenny Keller. Updated with over 1,300 videos spanning across H.O.G.S. filled with Kenny Keller's knowledge on helicopter training.

Additionally, Kenny promoted the H.O.G.S. affiliate program as an opportunity to earn passive income by sharing H.O.G.S. training resources.

 

Renewing or reinstating your helicopter CFI license can be a rigorous process, but with the right preparation and resources, it is entirely manageable. Armed with the knowledge gleaned from Kenny Keller’s experience and from Helicopter Online Ground School (H.O.G.S.), you'll be well on your way to maintaining your certification and continuing your journey as a certified flight instructor.