Certification, currency, and recordkeeping requirements, including training and logbook...
Certification, currency, and recordkeeping requirements, including training and logbook entries.
Bottom line
A flight instructor may exercise certificate privileges only if, within the preceding 24 calendar months, one of the recent experience requirements of 14 CFR 61.197(b) has been satisfied. Recent experience can be established by passing a practical test for a rating on the flight instructor certificate or an additional flight instructor rating. Recent experience can also be established by completing an approved flight instructor refresher course within the preceding 3 calendar months. Before flight, the pilot should inspect the airplane logbooks or a summary of airworthy status to confirm maintenance, alteration, and inspection records are current and correct.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| 24 calendar months (flight instructor recent experience window) | CFI currency |
| 3 calendar months (approved flight instructor refresher course) | FIRC window |
| 5 applicants, 80% first-attempt pass rate, within 24 calendar months | Endorsement option |
| 35 hours (part 141) / 40 hours (part 61) | Private minimums |
| 48 months (most recent physical examination, per CMEC) | BasicMed physical |
FAA references
- 14 CFR 61.197 (Recent experience requirements for flight instructor certification.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
- AFH ch. 2 (p. 2-2) — FAA-H-8083-3C
- PHAK ch. 1 (p. 1-19) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- AC 68-1, paras. 3.3, 4.1.2 — AC No: 68-1A
- PHAK ch. 1 (pp. 1-20–1-21) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- 14 CFR 61.113(i); 14 CFR 61.23(a)(3) and (c); 14 CFR 91.109(c) — Current eCFR checked 2026-11-06
- 14 CFR 68.3 (Medical education course requirements.) — eCFR current as of 2026-10-01
- RMH App. A (p. A-1) — FAA-H-8083-2A
- 14 CFR 91.1705 (Required pilot training.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
- 14 CFR 91.1715 (Currency requirements and flight review.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
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