Commercial (or ATP) with instrument + passed MCI test (or an FAA CFI you already hold) + records that you were an IP or flight examiner, finished the IP/examiner course, and passed an IP proficiency check → FAA flight instructor certificate with the matching ratings, issued on the video call.
The rule, in plain English — §61.73(g)
A current or former U.S. military instructor pilot or pilot examiner can be issued an FAA flight instructor certificate with the appropriate ratings, without a flight instructor practical test, if you:
- Hold a commercial or ATP certificate with the category and class for the instructor rating you want (g)(1). No commercial yet? Do the military competency conversion first — it can be the same week.
- Hold an instrument rating (or instrument privileges) appropriate to that instructor rating (g)(2).
- Present (g)(3):
- a knowledge test report on the §61.185(a) flight-instructor knowledge areas — the MCI (Military Competence Instructor) test — passed within the preceding 24 calendar months. Already hold an FAA flight instructor certificate? That substitutes for the test.
- an official record or order showing you are or were a military instructor pilot or pilot examiner for the rating sought
- an official record or order showing you completed an instructor pilot or pilot examiner training course and received the instructor qualification
- an official record or order showing you passed an instructor pilot or pilot examiner proficiency check in an aircraft appropriate to the rating
Notice what isn't there: no FOI test, no practical test, no recency window on the military check. The MCI report is the only piece with a clock on it.
Which instructor ratings
The ratings follow your military instructor records — airplane single- or multi-engine, helicopter, and instrument where your records show you instructed or examined on instruments. An Army IP gets the helicopter rating; an Army instrument examiner can support instrument-helicopter. Tell me what you instructed in when you submit, and I'll match it to the records before the call.
Document checklist by branch
- Air Force: AF Form 8 with the instructor status block, aeronautical orders showing instructor pilot status, IP course completion
- Army: DA Form 7122-R with instructor entries, orders showing IP or IE designation, IP / IE course diploma
- Navy / Marine Corps: OPNAV 3710/7 with the NATOPS instructor notation, OPNAV 3760/32 with instructor entries, or a squadron commander's letter showing NATOPS instructor or examiner designation
- Coast Guard: flight log book showing the instructor designation, and your unit instructor designation letter
- Plus: MCI knowledge test report (or your current FAA CFI), your FAA commercial/ATP certificate, photo ID, and an IACRA application with your FTN
After you have it
Keeping the instructor certificate current afterward is its own set of rules — CFI recent experience explains the December 2024 change, and CFI renewal is the same $200 virtual appointment when you need it.
What the virtual appointment is
A 20-minute video call with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner. Not a checkride, not an oral — an administrative review. Your documents are checked before the call, so the call itself is short:
- Identity check against a government photo ID (military ID is fine)
- MCN test report and military records confirmed against §61.73
- Your IACRA application reviewed and signed live
- Temporary certificate issued on the call — valid immediately. The FAA mails the plastic card later.
Works from a squadron office, a hotel room overseas, or a deployed location with decent internet. Booking needs 24 hours' notice so the FAA's oversight system (DMS) can be updated. Daytona DPE's FAA Certificate Letter of Authority (CLOA) carries Remote Technology Authorized for military competency — that's the FAA basis for doing this by video.
Pricing — $200 flat
No travel fees, no rescheduling fees, no charge if you're determined not eligible during the appointment. Details → Pricing
Related
IP records and an MCI? Skip the CFI checkride.
Submit the form — your document page opens with the instructor checklist for your branch. $200 flat.
Schedule your military CFI conversion →Frequently asked
How does the military instructor to CFI conversion work, and what does it cost?
Do I need to take the FOI test?
Do I need a commercial certificate first?
Is there a CFI practical test?
I was an Army IP. Do I get CFI-Helicopter?
How old can my IP records be?
← Back to the Military Competency (MCE / MIE) hub · every branch and airframe page is listed there.