Earn Wings Credit with this course!     

ASA's FAA-approved Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic (FIRC) provides everything flight instructors (CFIs) need to renew their flight instructor certificate for 2 years. From the producers of ASA's Virtual Test Prep series, the ASA FIRC features over 11 hours of professional DVD presentations, supported with internet-based evaluation and course tracking. This means participants don't need to be online for the entire duration of the course.

This course includes these important features:

• Experienced instructors provide engaging lectures that coach participants in scenario-based instruction with real-world examples.
  3D graphics, animations and inflight footage ensure participants understand the information and can teach it effectively.
• Convenient at-distance course brings the classroom to the home or office and lets instructors renew their certificate at their own pace, and in the comfort and privacy of their own place.
• DVD instantaneous control lets participants pause, back up, or navigate directly to a specific discussion within a lesson.

A comprehensive review of recent changes in rules and procedures affecting general aviation and flight instruction ensure participants have the most current information, are aware of the FAA's areas of emphasis, and receive the most innovative instructional techniques.

The course consists of 16 lessons, 16 five-question multiple-choice quizzes, four 16-question multiple choice stage exams, and supplemental reading assignments.

DVD program contents:

• Fundamentals of instructing
• Teaching flight maneuvers and procedures
• Transition training
• Teaching flight safety
• What pilots needs to know about weather
• Human factors
• Collision avoidance and procedures
• Teaching aerodynamics
• Regulations
• Recurrency training
• Flight information publications
• Instructor professional responsibilities
• Single-pilot IFR
• Conducting flight checks
• Primary student guidance from flight instructors
• Teaching and understanding GPS

A spiral-bound course book that stores the DVDs includes a comprehensive syllabus so participants always know where they are within the course, and provides room for taking notes. Dedicated website features user log-in so participants can track their progress, take the quiz that concludes each lesson, the stage exams, and complete all the supplemental reading (ensuring they are using the latest guidance documents provided by the FAA).

Paperwork processing is handled at no additional charge; with ASA's ACR-approval, they issue a temporary certificate to qualified graduates upon successful completion of the course. Therefore it isn't necessary for participants to schedule an appointment with their local FSDO.

Course contents meet Advisory Circular (AC) 61-83 requirements:

• Stage 1 Industry Trends and Standards: Safety Trends in General Aviation, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Security-Related Special Use Airspace, Sport Pilot
• Stage 2 Professional Educator: FAA Industry Training Standards (FITS), FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam), Pilot Proficiency Wings Program, Integrated Airman Certification/Rating Application (IACRA), Effective Teaching, Risk Management/Risk Intervention Strategies
• Stage 3 Aircraft Operations: Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA), GPS Navigation, Aircraft Operational Limitations, Takeoffs/Landings/Low Altitude Maneuvering, Runway Incursions
• Stage 4 Electives: Practical Test Preparation, Instructor Professionalism, Flight Information Publications (applicants have the option to replace these Stage 4 lessons with approved flight activity as described in the course contents)

NOTES ABOUT ELEGIBILITY and ENROLLMENT:

To renew your flight instructor certificate, you must be in compliance with 14 CFR 61.197 Renewal of Flight Instructor Certificates, specifically:

• A person who holds a valid and current flight instructor certificate may renew that certificate by …A graduation certificate showing that, within the preceding 3 calendar months, the person has successfully completed an approved flight instructor refresher course consisting of ground training or flight training, or a combination of both.
• The expiration month of a renewed flight instructor certificate shall be 24 calendar months from- (1) The month the renewal requirements are accomplished; or (2) The month of expiration of the current flight instructor certificate providedĄ (i) The renewal requirements are accomplished within the 3 calendar months preceding the expiration month of the current flight instructor certificate, and (ii)…the approved flight instructor refresher course must be completed within the 3 calendar months preceding the expiration month of the current flight instructor certificate.

ASA must receive all your paperwork prior to or on the last day of your expiration month, and you must successfully complete the FIRC course prior to or on the last day of your expiration month or they cannot renew your flight instructor certificate. ASA will process your renewal within 2-3 business days upon successful completion of the course; ASA is not responsible for delays resulting by any mail carrier.

14 CFR 61.197 allows you to submit an application for renewal within 4 months of your certificate's expiration date and still retain your original expiration month. However, this FIRC graduation certificate is good for only 3 calendar months. Therefore, if your certificate expires in March, you could complete a FIRC as early as January 1, submit your application, and you would retain your original expiration date of March.

You cannot renew an expired certificate. The FAA refers to this as a 'reinstatement.' To reinstate your license, you must take a checkride; one ride will renew all the ratings listed on your expired flight instructor certificate. Although participating in a FIRC would be beneficial from a knowledge standpoint, it could not be used as the basis for your reinstatement. You do not need to take the Knowledge Exam again, to reinstate your license.

System Requirements:
Television or computer DVD player. Compatible with both Windows and Macintosh DVD systems. High Speed internet connection is highly recommended. PDF file reader and QuickTime for accessing supplemental online support documentation.