What happens when your CFI certificate is suspended or revoked

A Commercial Pilot Instructor (CFI) certificate can be suspended or revoked by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for reasons including failed checkrides, medical certificate lapses, violations of flight rules, or administrative issues like unpaid fines. When this happens, you cannot legally instruct anyone or act as pilot-in-command of an aircraft for compensation.

The path to reinstatement depends on why your certificate was suspended or revoked and how long it has been inactive. Some suspensions are temporary and lift automatically; others require you to take specific steps. A revocation is permanent and requires a formal reinstatement process through the FAA.

Understanding the reason for the action and the FAA's requirements is the first step toward flying again.

Key Takeaways

  • A suspension typically lasts 6 months to 2 years and may lift automatically, while a revocation is permanent and requires you to petition the FAA for reinstatement.
  • Before you can reinstate, your medical certificate must be current and you must resolve whatever caused the original action—failed checkride, rule violation, or unpaid fines.
  • The FAA's Airmen Certification Branch handles reinstatement requests and will tell you in writing what steps you must complete.
  • You may need to retake a practical test (checkride), pass a written exam, or complete additional training, depending on the reason for suspension or revocation.
  • Contact the FAA's Airmen Certification Branch directly to learn the specific requirements for your certificate and situation.

Suspension versus revocation: what each means for reinstatement

A suspension is a temporary action that lasts a set period—usually 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years. During suspension, your certificate is inactive but not destroyed. Some suspensions lift automatically when the time expires; others require you to take action before the FAA will return your certificate. You will receive a written order from the FAA explaining whether reinstatement is automatic or conditional.

A revocation is permanent. The FAA cancels your certificate entirely. To fly again as an instructor, you must petition the FAA for reinstatement, which is a formal process that is not may provide to succeed. The FAA will review your petition, your flying record since revocation, and evidence that you are fit to hold the certificate again.

If you are unsure whether your certificate was suspended or revoked, contact the FAA's Airmen Certification Branch at 405-954-3261 or check your written FAA order. The document will state which action was taken and what you must do next.

Medical certificate requirements before reinstatement

You cannot reinstate a CFI certificate if your medical certificate has lapsed. The FAA will not process a reinstatement request unless your medical certificate is current at the time you submit your petition or request.

If your medical certificate expired while your CFI was suspended or revoked, you must renew it before contacting the Airmen Certification Branch. Visit an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to explore for a new medical certificate. The class of medical you need depends on the type of flying you plan to do—most CFIs need at least a second-class medical.

If you have a medical history that caused denial or special issuance in the past, the renewal process may take longer. Plan ahead and do not wait until you are ready to reinstate your CFI to address your medical certificate.

Resolving the reason your certificate was suspended or revoked

The FAA will not reinstate your certificate until you have addressed the underlying cause. Common reasons for suspension or revocation include:

  • Failed checkride: You must pass a new practical test with an examiner. This usually means additional training with a may have access to instructor.
  • Rule violation: You may need to complete remedial training, pass a written test on the violated regulation, or demonstrate knowledge of the rule in writing.
  • Medical disqualification: Your medical certificate must be renewed and current before reinstatement is possible.
  • Administrative issues: Unpaid fines, outstanding debts to the FAA, or incomplete paperwork must be resolved.
  • Lapsed currency or proficiency: You may need to pass a written exam or practical test to show you are still competent.

Your FAA suspension or revocation letter should explain what you must do. If it does not, or if you need clarification, call the Airmen Certification Branch and ask what specific steps explore to your situation.

Steps to request reinstatement after suspension

If your CFI certificate was suspended and the suspension period has ended or is ending, contact the FAA's Airmen Certification Branch to confirm whether reinstatement is automatic or requires action on your part.

If action is required, the FAA will ask you to submit a written request that includes your name, certificate number, the reason for suspension, and evidence that you have met all reinstatement conditions. This might be a passing checkride score, a completed training course, proof of medical renewal, or a letter from an instructor confirming your proficiency.

Mail your request to the FAA Airmen Certification Branch, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125, or submit it electronically if the FAA has provided an email address. Include copies of any supporting documents. The FAA typically responds within 4 to 8 weeks.

Petitioning for reinstatement after revocation

If your CFI certificate was revoked, you must file a formal petition with the FAA. This is a more involved process than suspension reinstatement and requires you to demonstrate that you are fit to hold the certificate again.

Your petition should include your name, certificate number, a clear statement that you are requesting reinstatement, and a detailed explanation of why you believe you should be reinstated. Include evidence of corrective action—a passing checkride, completion of training, a clean flying record since revocation, letters of recommendation from other pilots or instructors, and any other documentation that shows you have addressed the reason for revocation.

Send your petition to the FAA Airmen Certification Branch at the address above. The FAA will review your petition and may request additional information. The process typically takes 2 to 4 months, though complex cases may take longer. The FAA will notify you in writing of its decision.

Practical test and training requirements

Depending on the reason for suspension or revocation, you may need to pass a new checkride or written exam before reinstatement. If a failed checkride led to your suspension, you will need to retake the practical test with an FAA examiner. If a rule violation caused the action, the FAA may require you to pass a written test on that regulation.

Before scheduling a checkride, work with a may have access to CFI to prepare. Your instructor should review the areas where you fell short on your previous test and may support you are proficient before you attempt again. Many pilots find it helpful to log several hours of dual instruction and practice before scheduling the retest.

The FAA will tell you in writing what test or training is required for your reinstatement. Do not schedule a checkride until you have confirmation from the Airmen Certification Branch that you are ready to test.

Timeline and what to expect

The time it takes to reinstate your CFI certificate varies based on whether it was suspended or revoked and what conditions must be met. A suspension that lifts automatically may take only a few weeks once the suspension period ends. A suspension that requires action typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from the time you submit your request and supporting documents.

A revocation petition usually takes 2 to 4 months, though cases involving rule violations or safety concerns may take longer. If the FAA requests additional information, the timeline extends. During this time, you cannot act as a CFI or use your certificate for any purpose.

Once the FAA approves your reinstatement, you will receive a new certificate in the mail or be notified that your certificate has been reissued. You can then resume instructing, provided your medical certificate is current and you meet all other requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I instruct while my CFI is suspended?

No. A suspended or revoked certificate is inactive, and you cannot legally instruct anyone or act as pilot-in-command for compensation during the suspension period. Doing so is a federal violation and can result in additional penalties.

What if I do not know why my certificate was suspended or revoked?

Contact the FAA's Airmen Certification Branch at 405-954-3261 and provide your certificate number. They will tell you the reason and what you must do to reinstate. You should also have received a written order from the FAA explaining the action; check your mail or contact the FAA if you did not receive it.

Do I need to retake the written exam to reinstate my CFI?

Not always. If your suspension was due to a medical issue or administrative matter, you may not need to retake any exam. If it was due to a failed checkride or rule violation, the FAA will tell you whether a written test is required. Ask the Airmen Certification Branch specifically what tests explore to your situation.

How much does CFI reinstatement cost?

The FAA does not charge a fee to reinstate a suspended or revoked certificate. However, you may incur costs for a new checkride (typically $300 to $500), training with an instructor, a new medical certificate, or other corrective actions the FAA requires.

Can I appeal a revocation decision?

If the FAA denies your reinstatement petition, you may request reconsideration by submitting new evidence or a revised petition. You also have the right to appeal to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) if you believe the FAA's decision was wrong. Contact the NTSB or the FAA for information about the appeal process.