Topics To Range From FARs to Renewal Clinics

The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) says it plans to attend a public meeting hosted by the FAA concerning "Updating the Flight instructor Renewal Process to Enhance Safety of Flight" on December 6-7, 2010, in Washington, D.C. The meeting is the result of the FAA's indication that it has "been reviewing indicators that suggest that the process currently in place (by which flight instructors renew their certificates) may lack sufficient effectiveness in ensuring that CFIs are being provided the best information in the most useful manner."

This effort was initially to focus on the operation of CFI Flight Instructor Renewal Courses (FIRC), but it has been expanded to address general issues relating to the overall instructor-certificate renewal process. The FAA's questions range from the more specific "How effective have Flight Instructor Clinics been in transferring relevant information to flight instructors?" to the broader "Should there be changes to 14 CFR Part 61.197?"

NAFI regularly works with the FAA on issues involving the flight-instructor community, and it looks forward to collaborating on this issue. This week, NAFI conducted a survey of its members for input on the CFI renewal process and will be releasing its findings after this data are compiled. Preliminary data will be presented at the meeting, as well.

"NAFI feels it is important to continue discussions that may lead to more effective and professional flight training efforts," said NAFI Executive Director Jason Blair. "We want to help make sure that if any changes are made, they are to enhance safety and professional ability of flight instructors, while at the same time not place unnecessary burdens on instructors for keeping their certificates active or eliminate the ability of senior and more experienced instructors to share their knowledge with new pilots."

FMI: www.nafinet.org