FAQ

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

If I complete the course before my expiration date, will my date change?

As long as you complete the course within the three calendar months preceding the month of your CFI Certificate expiration date, your expiration date will not change.

Are there any additional costs?

Once you purchased the program it is yours to use for life; however, if you choose the IACRA or ACR Service for processing your paperwork there is an additional fee each time you use one of these services.

Do I download the material or do I take the course online?

You have to do the whole course online.

Do I have to enter my flight time on my application for renewal?

No, you don’t have to fill in your flight time for a CFI renewal. In IACRA you can click on “next” to continue past the flight time portion of the application without entering any hours. On the 8710 form you need only fill out Sections I, IV, and V.

How do I use the IACRA ACR Service?

You complete the American Flyers Flight Instructor Renewal Course and follow the instructions found on your Main Page under “Renewal Details”. The ACR will communicate with you via email and you will be notified when you can download and print your temporary certificate.

How do I use the traditional mail-in ACR Service?

Mail your signed Graduation Certificate, valid CFI certificate (hard copy), completed 8710 form, notarized proof of identity, and copy of your photo ID to: American Flyers FIRC Department 32535 Wolf Branch Lane Sorrento, FL 32776

How does the FIRC work?

The online FIRC course consists of 13 lessons. There is a quiz after lesson 6 and then again after lesson 13. All quizzes are comprised of random multiple-choice questions about the material contained in the lessons. The Final Quiz at the end of Lesson 13 is cumulative and contains randomly selected questions covering the content from all of the lessons. Pass rate is 70%. After you’ve successfully completed all of the lessons, you must submit an application for renewal.

This can be done through our ACR Service, either using IACRA or the traditional mail-in method or through a FSDO. If you choose to use IACRA you can complete your paperwork online but must submit your application on the IACRA website at least three business days before the expiration date printed on the back of your CFI certificate. This will allow our on-staff FAA ACR’s time to review, approve and sign off on the application and 8710. If you choose to mail your paperwork to our ACR, drop it off at one of our school locations, or take it to a FSDO, we must receive it prior to your expiration date.

How many quizzes are there?

There are a total of 2, with 2 additional back-ups. First, a randomized 30 question test and an additional remedial randomized 30 question test after Lesson 6, called a Midcourse and Remedial Midcourse quiz. The second is a comprehensive final 30 question test and an additional comprehensive 30 question remedial test, called a Final and a Remedial Final. Once you have completed the lessons (100% on both the Content and Time progress bars), you will be prompted to take the first quiz.

I am out of the country and would like to renew online. Is there a way to complete my paperwork?

Yes! Since the FAA’s IACRA system is paperless, CFI’s traveling or living outside of the U.S., can easily apply for renewal. You must: 1. Complete the American Flyers IACRA checklist; 2. Submit your IACRA application for renewal online at https://iacra.faa.gov and, 3. Make sure our ACR has reviewed and signed your application. Faxing or emailing paperwork is not permitted. We require that you submit your application at least three days before your expiration in order to guarantee renewal.

I finished my FIRC on a computer that I was unable to print from. How do I retrieve my Graduation Certificate so that I may print it?

Log back in to American Flyers. On the pull-down Menu at the top of the page, roll your cursor over “Account” and select “FIRC Renewals”. There are links to download/print your Graduation Certificate and an 8710 form should you need it. You may print it more than once if you wish.

I finished the FIRC program today and my CFI expiration date is today. Am I okay as long as I have finished the course?

No! You must: 1. Complete the American Flyers IACRA checklist; 2. Submit your IACRA application for renewal online at https://iacra.faa.gov and, 3. Make sure our ACR has reviewed and signed your application. Faxing or emailing paperwork is not permitted. We require that you submit your application at least three days before your expiration in order to guarantee renewal.

My certificate expires in 30 days. Do I have enough time to renew my CFI Certificate?

Yes, you have enough time. You need to complete the online training and submit your application for renewal on the IACRA website three days before the expiration date on your back of current CFI certificate. If you are mailing your application to our FIRC Department, it must be received on or before the expiration date on the back of your CFI certificate. If you are applying for renewal through a FSDO, you must present your graduation certificate to them on or before the expiration date on the back of your CFI certificate. Be sure to call the FSDO early to make an appointment.

My certificate number has changed since I first purchased the FIRC For Life. How do I update my account?

Each time you re-enroll you are asked to enter your CFI certificate number. The certificate number you provide is the one that will correspond to that particular renewal. If you make an error, contact American Flyers at online@americanflyers.com and we can correct it for you.

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.

The address on my Graduation Certificate is old and doesn’t match my 8710 form. How do I update my account?

You can update your profile by clicking on the Account pull-down menu on the navigation menu at the top of the page and then clicking on “Edit Profile.” Edit the information in the fields and then click on the “continue” button on the bottom of the page. Please take this opportunity to make sure your email address is current. You can reprint your Graduation Certificate after revising your information.