ASA: Flight Instructor Refresher Course

Complete the ASA FIRC on all your internet connected devices for the ultimate in flexibility. Login from your desktop, laptop, smart phone, iPad or other tablet computer—the course knows where you left off regardless of which device you last used. Review all lesson components even after completion of the course to serve as a refresher, too, with access available for 24 months after your course registration date.

The ASA FIRC contents meet Advisory Circular (AC) 61-83 requirements and contain a full review of recent changes in rules and procedures affecting general aviation and flight instruction. Using the ASA FIRC ensures that instructors have the most current information, are aware of the FAA’s areas of emphasis, and receive the most innovative instructional techniques.

Stage 1 - Industry Trends and Standards
- Lesson 1 - Safety Trends in General Aviation: How CFIs Can Directly Contribute to Aviation Safety
- Lesson 2 - Security Related Special Use Airspace: What’s Going on Where and How to Stay Clear
- Lesson 3 - Transportation Security Administration (TSA): What Flight Instructors Have to Know to Stay Out of Trouble
- Lesson 4 - Regulatory, Policy, and Publications Changes and Updates

Stage 2 - Professional Educator
- Lesson 5 - Ethics and Professionalism in the Role of the Flight Instructor
- Lesson 6 - How to Teach Effectively and Build a Culture of Safety in Your Students and Your Workplace
- Lesson 7 - How to Give an Effective and Useful Flight Review
- Lesson 8 - How to Make the Best Use of the FAASTeam and the WINGS – Pilot Proficiency Program in Your Program of Instruction

Stage 3 - Aircraft Operations
- Lesson 9 - Pilot Deviations: Their Causes and How to Teach Your Students to Plan Ahead to Avoid Them
- Lesson 10 - Navigating in the 21st Century: Pilotage to GPS
- Lesson 11 - Takeoffs/Landings/Low Maneuvering
- Lesson 12 - Risk Management/Risk Intervention Strategies

Stage 4 - Expanding Your Horizons
- Lesson 13 - Sport Pilot
- Lesson 14 - Transition Training
- Lesson 15 - Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA)
- Lesson 16 - Enhancing Your Training With FITS and IACRA

Paperwork processing is handled at no additional charge. Qualified graduates can either complete the renewal with their local FSDO or use ASA ’s ACR -approval.

Visit http://firc.prepware.com for a complete course description, frequently asked questions, and to get started.

System Requirements: Computer (compatible with both PC and Macintosh systems), tablet or mobile device (compatible with Apple and Android systems); an internet connection (high-speed connection recommended) and browser.

I recently accomplished the two year renewal my CFI certificate by completing the online ASA Flight Instructor Renewal Course. ASA informed me that the course had just been updated to include the most current content and the latest regulations. The new ASA FIRC has been upgraded to take into account reference to more recent changes to the high tech components of navigation such as GPS WAAS approaches and the new requirements for teaching risk management system techniques to students.

I could not help but remember back to the early days of my career when the FIRC method to renew the CFI ratings was handed over to the private training sector. The only way to complete the necessary training was to schedule a three-day weekend and sit through many hard to endure tedious lectures. In time, the FAA allowed for a less mind-numbing process by lowering the hour requirement so that the FIRC clinics could be completed within an extended two day time frame. The pilots and seminar instructors were always glad to reach the end of the weekend and most of the attendees could not recall half of what they were taught in the lectures.

Since the FAA started to allow the use of online training FIRC courses in recent years, it has been proven to be more effective to the flight instructor for many reasons. First, I like the idea of being able to take the training in small segments and digest the material before returning back to the course. There is no pressure to finish the course as it can be started and completed within 90 days of the date of expiration of the flight instructor certificate. Next, I can honestly say that since I renewed my instructor certificate two years ago the technology has changed to the point where all the videos and content has been moved to the internet. This allows many valuable links to sites and training videos without losing your place in coming back to continue the course. If you take the ASA online course you can even return to the site, even after the course is completed, to revisit the material and watch the videos.

ASA has done a fantastic job of having the links and videos key into the study material with just the right amount of information to make it interesting. I found that one of the video links even featured Patty Wagstaff. Each of the instructor staff that is featured in the ASA course is entertaining and well versed in each video presentation. I found that it was a great way for me to get back up to speed after being out of the right seat of a cockpit the past couple of years.

I highly recommend the new ASA FIRC to any flight instructor who seeks to renew their certificate. The course is not only an effective method to process all of the documentation to renew, but a compelling and informative path to recertification.

—Tom Gilmore, CFII&ME, Master Instructor, Emeritus

Having just completed your CFI renewal course, I have these comments.

I think the program is excellent. The material is presented in a comprehensive manner that covers all the things we need to know to stay current.

I found the questions in the quizzes and stage exams to be worded to really make you think. I also feel some of the correct answers could be debated some- but that is a good [thing]. I have gained valuable knowledge and some detail I am not exposed to on a regular basis.

I appreciate you and your company's efforts to support the continual learning necessary for us to do our jobs better.

I enjoyed the challenge, the reading and all the other information available in the course. I will recommend the program highly.

Thank you very much for all your help and fine service.

Respectfully:

—Jim Barrett

Your FIRC served me well, met my needs, and exceeded my expectations. I will recommend your FIRC to other Instructors I know. Thanks for all your help.

—Lohman Tarkington

I want you to know that the ASA FIRC course I completed was the BEST course I have taken on-line or through the mail, bar none. I found your CDs to be concise, informative and well produced and the information you had me review on my own was collectively excellent. Your follow-up email informing me of the status of the application process was also greatly appreciated. Other courses I have taken have required that I sweat out the final process or call to be sure that the the application had been forwarded to the FAA on time. In short, I'll recommend your course to every instructor I talk with who needs a refresher...and I'll be back.

—Dennis Lichty CFII, MEI

I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed and appreciated the FIRC. The link with AOPA AirSafety was a pleasant surprise. It was fair, timely and really well done. I have tried most every FIRC type over the years from spending a weekend at numerous places, VHS tapes, on-line courses, DVDs, etc. and I rank yours at the top. I found myself spending time "above and beyond the call" on interesting topics. What a well-rounded course! Don't be surprised to see me sign up again in 2 years. The FAA should be glad you are an option for renewal.

—Joe Hoyle