Definition
An FAA Advisory Circular that establishes the standards, content requirements, and approval process for Flight Instructor Refresher Courses (FIRCs). It defines what an industry provider must include in a course for that course to qualify as an FAA-approved means of renewing a flight instructor certificate.
Plain English
It is the FAA document that says what a flight instructor refresher course must contain in order to count toward renewing your CFI certificate.
Context Anchor
Seen in continuing education and flight instructor renewal discussions, especially when reviewing approved refresher course options.
Derivation
AC' stands for Advisory Circular, the FAA's standard format for publishing non-regulatory guidance. The number '61-83' identifies it within the 61-series, which covers certification of pilots and flight instructors. Knowing the numbering helps a CFI find related documents quickly.
Why Pilots Care
Flight instructors must complete an approved course under this circular to keep their instructor privileges current without additional testing.
Intuition Check
Do not read AC 61-83 as a regulation by itself. It is FAA guidance about an approved way to meet training and renewal expectations; the actual legal requirements come from the regulations.
Example Sentence 1
Before signing up for a refresher course, the CFI checked that the provider's curriculum met the requirements laid out in AC 61-83.
Example Sentence 2
Following the guidance in AC 61-83 allowed the instructor to renew his certificate through the industry course.