Regulation Text
§ 61.427 What must I do if my flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating expires?
You may exchange your expired flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating for a new certificate with a sport pilot rating and any other rating on that certificate by passing a practical test as prescribed in § 61.405(b) or § 61.183(h) for one of the ratings listed on the expired flight instructor certificate. The FAA will reinstate any privilege authorized by the expired certificate.
The short answer
(14 CFR § 61.427) explains what to do when a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating expires. You may exchange the expired certificate for a new one by passing a practical test under § 61.405(b) or § 61.183(h) for one of the ratings listed; the FAA reinstates any privilege the expired certificate authorized.
Research Notes
Common Questions
My sport pilot instructor certificate expired—how do I get it back?
Pass a practical test for one of the ratings on the expired certificate. The rule states:
“You may exchange your expired flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating for a new certificate with a sport pilot rating and any other rating on that certificate by passing a practical test as prescribed in § 61.405(b) or § 61.183(h) for one of the ratings listed on the expired flight instructor certificate.” — 14 CFR § 61.427
Do I get my old privileges back after reinstatement?
Yes. The section concludes that “The FAA will reinstate any privilege authorized by the expired certificate.” You only need to pass the practical test for one of the ratings listed on that expired certificate.
Amendment History
AOA Notes
These notes correspond to the highlighted phrases in the regulation text above. Each one flags something worth knowing — a common misread, a checkride gotcha, or a practical pro tip.
Angle of Attack is an aviation flight-training brand founded by Chris Palmer, a two-time Master Aviation Educator and Gold Seal CFI. We decode the FARs so pilots understand not just the words, but what they mean in the cockpit.
AOA's Decoded pages are plain-English interpretation for training and reference. They are not legal advice and do not replace the official regulation. Always confirm current requirements against the authoritative source before acting.
CFI Commentary
Highlighted phrases in the regulation text above link to instructor notes at the bottom of this page. Look for the amber or blue highlights — each one flags a gotcha or a pro tip worth knowing.