Which action is necessary to reinstate an expired CFI certificate?

To reinstate an expired Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate, passing a practical test for a previously held rating is essential. The reasoning behind this requirement is that the FAA emphasizes demonstrating proficiency and currency in teaching skills. When a CFI certificate expires, the instructor must validate their competency by successfully passing the practical test, which examines their ability to both instruct and ensure safety in flight operations. This process ensures that the CFI is adequately prepared to teach and supervise students, possessing the necessary skills that may have diminished during the expiration period.

In contrast, while other options might involve educational activities or record-keeping, they do not fulfill the specific requirement set forth by the FAA for certificate reinstatement. Specialized training courses and online training, while beneficial for knowledge enhancement, do not constitute the hands-on assessment essential for demonstrating practical instructional ability. Providing a logbook of prior flights, although useful information, does not replace the critical evaluation performed during the practical test, which validates the instructor’s readiness to operate in a teaching capacity once again.