If you start your FIRC too far in advance of your expiration date, you risk the chance of missing regulatory or guidance changes. The intent of the FIRC is to keep you current and safe. As pilots and instructors we take that responsibility very seriously.

There is another document which can be used in place of the CFI certificate. Here is the link where you can obtain a Verification of Certificate Privileges: https://amsrvs.registry.faa.gov/amsrvs/ To utilize the online serviceyou must establish an account with the Airmen Certification Branch. Once you’ve completed that procesyou’ll receive an e-mail with the document. Upload the Verification of Certificate Privileges as the BACK scan and the front of your pilot’s certificate (ATP or Commercial) as the FRONT scan. If you don’t have your pilot’s certificate, simply use the Verification of Certificate Privileges as the FRONT and BACK scan.

You must complete the first four steps of the renewal checklist in your American Flyers account. Then everything you need to do is complete and the ACR will be alerted to review your paperwork. You will be notified via email when your Temporary Certificate is available or if there is a problem with your IACRA application.

No, you can purchase it anytime. From your FIRC, locate the RENEWAL DETAILS section. Under “Your FIRC Paperwork Instructions,” you’ll see the following: “Our records show that you have not purchased our ACR Service. If you would like American Flyers to process your FIRC paperwork so you don’t have to schedule an appointment at the FSDO, please click here.” Click on that link to purchase the IACRA paperwork processing method.

Airman Certification Representative. They represent a specific FIRC sponsor and are authorized to accept FAA applications for renewal of valid flight instructor certificates from successful graduates of that sponsor’s program and issue temporary flight instructor certificates.

No. To guarantee the renewal, the ACR requires at least 5 business days. So you must complete the first 4 steps of your renewal checklist in time to guarantee the renewal.