What is the difference between ‘expiration date’ and ‘recent experience end date’?

The term "expiration date" refers to the calendar month printed on a CFI certificate. Effective December 1, 2024, the FAA eliminates the expiration date printed on CFI certificates, introducing the recent experience end date (REED) instead.

The "recent experience end date" indicates when recent experience requirements must be met to maintain instructional privileges and is identical to the previous “expiration month” requirements. Your recent experience end date’s calendar month will remain the same as your previous expiration month when you renew within your completion window or reinstatement period. Renewing before your completion window will assign you that month as your new recent experience end date’s calendar month.

How long does the course take to complete?

The FAA requires 14 hours of online instruction (per AC 61-83K). You may spend more time, but 14 hours of instruction is the minimum.

What is the AOPA Air Safety Institute’s Processing Guarantee?

We guarantee the timely processing of your CFI renewal with the FAA. Our staff are here to help you complete the ACR requirements.

• CFIs within their recent experience period: This period includes the recent experience end date month and the three calendar months prior. No later than noon Eastern on the last business day of the recent experience end date month.
• CFIs within their reinstatement period: This period comprises the three calendar months after the recent experience end date. No later than the 23rd of the third month in your reinstatement period.

Why let AOPA handle my renewal processing instead of going to the FSDO?

Unlike other FIRC providers, AOPA handles your revalidation at no extra cost, saving you money, time, and hassle. If you go to the FSDO, you must make an appointment in advance, deal with security protocols, and navigate long wait times due to the limited availability of FAA inspectors.

If I hold both airplane and helicopter ratings, does the FIRC cover both?

You may participate in any FIRC program and meet the recency requirements for all the ratings on your flight instructor certificate. While our course is prominently fixed-wing, we do offer a helicopter elective that you might find valuable.

The AOPA eFIRC syllabus was developed using guidance in the FAA’s Advisory Circular AC61-83J: Nationally Scheduled FAA-Approved, Industry Conducted Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC) which requires 14 hours of training and include specific core modules listed below.

With the AOPA eFIRC, you can personalize your course while completing four elective modules of your choice based on your interests or specialties to renew your certificate.

MANDATORY MODULES: Navigating in the 21st Century: Pilotage to Global Positioning System (GPS): Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) and Automation Security Related Special Use Airspace: What’s Going on Where and How to Stay Clear Transportation Security Administration (TSA): What Flight Instructors Have to Know to Stay Out of Trouble How to Teach Effectively and Build a Culture of Safety in Your Students and Workplace Safety Trends in GA: How CFIs Can Directly Contribute to Aviation Safety Pilot Deviations (PD): Their Causes and How to Teach Your Students to Plan Ahead to Avoid Them How to Make the Best Use of the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) and the Pilot Proficiency Program (WINGS) in Your Program of Instruction Regulatory, Policy, and Publications Changes and Updates How to Give an Effective and Useful Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) and Flight Review Ethics and Professionalism in the Role of the Flight Instructor Loss of Control (LOC) Accidents Instructing with the Airman Certification Standards Flight Instructors: Accepting a Remote Pilot or Student Pilot Application

MANDATORY ELECTIVE MODULES: AOPA offers the most in the industry for a custom experience! Choose 4 for your renewal. Advanced Endorsements, Insurance, and Proficiency Focused Instruction Decision Making Do The Right Thing Human Factors Refreshing Instructors on Sport Pilot Limitations and Use of LSA Aircraft Seaplane Safety Survival Teaching Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT) Avoidance Teaching Helicopter Safety Teaching Runway Safety Teaching VFR into IMC Avoidance Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

1. AOPA account login. You do not need to be an AOPA Member to take the AOPA Air Safety Institute eFIRC, but you will need to set up a free AOPA Web Account if you don't already have one. AOPA members and users with existing AOPA Web Account, like the one used for other Air Safety Institute courses, please use your existing login. If you do not already have an account, you can create a new account during purchase of the eFIRC.
2. Internet Connection is required, a broadband Internet connection with low latency (a connection with a download speed greater than 2MB and upload speed greater than 1MB) is required.
3. JavaScript enabled, most current browsers have it preinstalled, just make sure it is up-to-date and active.
4. Ability to turn off pop-Up blockers. This is required when filling out your IACRA application for renewal. Step-by-step instructions are available in the course for the most common browsers. Within the course there are guides on how to turn off pop-up blockers.
5. Ability to view videos that are hosted on YouTube.com. Be aware that some military and government facilities have blocked access to YouTube within their online network.
6. Latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.
7. Learners should use the latest version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Edge. See below on browser related notes.

Tablet/Smart Phone	Desktop	Comments
Chrome	Chrome	Strongly recommend for taking eFIRC
Safari	Safari (Mac only)	Strongly recommend using iPad with iOS17 or 18
Microsoft Edge	Microsoft Edge	Some issues have been reported in Internet Explorer, Edge is preferred
Android	Firefox	Some issues have been reported in Firefox, make sure you have the most recent release