Definition
An FAA-approved training course that a certificated flight instructor (CFI) may complete in lieu of a practical test to renew their flight instructor certificate. The course covers current regulations, teaching methods, and aviation safety topics, and successful completion satisfies the renewal requirements of 14 CFR Part 61.
Plain English
A short course that flight instructors can take every two years to keep their instructor certificate active without having to retake a checkride.
Context Anchor
Seen in instructor training, flight instructor certificate renewal, and discussions of aviation industry organizations that provide continuing education for instructors.
Derivation
“Refresher” comes from the idea of making something fresh again. In this term, it means updating and renewing knowledge the instructor already has, not teaching a brand-new student from the beginning.
Why Pilots Care
Flight instructors must complete this course to renew their certificate and continue providing legal instruction to student pilots.
Intuition Check
A flight instructor refresher course is not a basic learn-to-fly course. It is a review and update course for people who already hold a flight instructor certificate.
Example Sentence 1
She signed up for a flight instructor refresher course in October because her CFI certificate was due to expire at the end of the year.
Example Sentence 2
Many instructors select an FAA-approved flight instructor refresher course that fits their schedule while satisfying renewal requirements.