My CFI renewal was not based on the NAFI MCFI method, so I am not that concerned for myself. However, it is going to be interesting to see if this interpretation holds up by the NAFI definition after the FAA takes a stand. I bet it is not going to be easy to get an answer from them either!

What Jason wrote is just one more of the many reasons why SAFE was started in the first place. The FAA wrote those words, and the intended meaning was not as Jason is interpreting it. The FAA would NEVER revoke a certificate if you quit NAFI. Sometimes working at FAA HQ has it's advantages for rumors, and believe me the FAA is quite aware of those statements by NAFI. Hope Jason keeps up the good promotions for SAFE.

Hello All,

We all need to keep our cool throughout this process - and it will be a process. There is a "battle" going on, and things will be said by some that may or may not be based in fact. The other organization has concerns for its programs and for losing members, and is very likely to "infer" (veiled threats) that some things are a certain way when, in fact, they are not.

One thing is for certain. The renewal of the CFI is done BY the FAA, not by any organization or program, and it is an instantaneous act - not a "timed" act. If, for example, one attends a FIRC, one gets a document saying that this has been accomplished (past tense) according to the FAA guidelines, and that document can be used to renew the CFI for the next three months after completion. The same is true of the MASTER designation (either original or renewal). The designation is based on PAST activity, and the Master designation can then be used for three months after it is granted to renew the CFI. What the instructor does in the future (after renewal of the CFI) is relevant only to the next time they come up for certificate renewal (baring any violations, etc., in the meantime, of course), not what has already been certified.

I have not been privy to the actual LOA itself, but I am relatively certain that the FAA would not have language in that document that specifies that in order for the renewal to continue to be valid the person MUST remain a member of said orgainzation for the full two years of that certificate. One would have to be a member of the sponsoring orgainzation at the time of designation or renewal to meet the requirements of gaining the designation or renewal and then using it to renew the CFI - but once renewed, that is past history.

We will likely see more of this kind of thing, and what we all need to do is retain our professional demeanor and not react, or over react, to the threats that will undoubtedly be made. Let's make sure that we distinguish SAFE by our professional responses as we have done so far.

Have a SAFE day!

Alan

I think further proof that NAFI's claim that a CFI certificate can be null and voided if a CFI cancels his/her membership after using the NAFI method to recertify is this: NAFI does not require an instructor to be a member of NAFI to sit in or take one of the NAFI FIRC programs offered. An example being the WIA or Fantasy of Flight events.

I hope this family feud doesn't last forever!

Just to clairfy, I should have used the word "cannot" instead of "can" in my last forum response.