CFI renewal online

[badco99]

Just wanted to get some opinions on some of the online CFI renewal courses. I was looking at either the Gleim or AOPA. I did a search and it seemed like no one really had anything negative to say about either one (other than sitting in front of the computer). Just wondering if one may be a little better than the other.

Thanks

[t82]

American flyers is pay once, renew forever. Requires you to be online for 20 hrs or so. It takes about 5hrs to complete but won't let you go on to the next section until time is up and will log you out unless you press the button every so often.

[Timbuff10]

I went to the FIRC that AOPA offers. They are all over the country and no matter where you live they are pretty easy to get to in your 3 month window of renewal. From what I could gather in talking to people, the two day in class version is much better in terms of being easier. If you can write your name and fill out an 8710, you will pass. But the nice thing, is that it is a classroom type deal and you will actually learn a few things too. I know I did.

If you are just looking to get it done, then I hear the American Flyers deal is the best. One time fee for lifetime online renewals.

I prefer the class and will be doing them from now on. The class can also be a great networking device too. Everything from potential students to potential employers.

[CTFlyer]

I did the Gleim on-line course in 2005. It was quick, painless, doesn't track your time on-line... I'm thinking of a class this year, didn't learn much with the virtual course. Surprising you can renew a CFI ticket without doing any flying....

[Booker]

I used Gleim, primarily because I was busy with ERJ school at the time and I just needed to fill the square. If you just want to get it done and don't care if you learn anything, it won't let you down. Like others said, though, I think AmFly is the most cost-effective over time.

[Timbuff10]

The FAA is talking about doing away with this renewal thing... Anyone know when that might be ruled on?

Personally, I think they should require a class such as the one AOPA puts out. At least that will keep people somewhat up to date.

[MidlifeFlyer]

Originally Posted by Timbuff10

The FAA is talking about doing away with this renewal thing... Anyone know when that might be ruled on?

The proposal, which is part of the current Part 61 revision proposal, is =not= to remove the requirement for keeping the CFI certificate up to date. It's just to make the =certificate= non-expiring, like out pilot certificates. Instead of issuing a whole new certificate every 2 years, the 2-year "renewal" would become a 2-year "endorsement." A convenience thing rather than a substantive change in the requirement of CFI currency and how it is accomplished.

BTW, I'm also a Gleim fan. Just renewed with them.

[B767Driver]

I've done Gleim for the last 4 or 5 renewals. It's a cheap and convenient way to renew. He's got some issues on the aerodynamic section of his course...but he's just towing the FAA line. Glaring inaccuracies that perpetuate certain myths among the piloting community...that took me 12 years to overcome and learn properly...bascically due to my own edification of the subject.

He does a pretty good job on the LSA requirements, which I know virtually nothing about.

[Red-Baron]

Originally Posted by Timbuff10

the two day in class version is much better in terms of being easier. If you can write your name and fill out an 8710, you will pass. But the nice thing, is that it is a classroom type deal and you will actually learn a few things too. I know I did.
I prefer the class and will be doing them from now on. The class can also be a great networking device too. Everything from potential students to potential employers.

I can only confirm this statement!!! The clssroom type is much easier and also much more fun!!! Since I'm living in Germany I used to renew my CFI via internet, because I thought that's the only possibility to get it done, until I heard that www.aviationseminars.com offers classroom type Refresher Clinics outside the US, since then I've been renewing my CFI with them and I really like it!