Requirements for Gold Seal CFI | What is a Gold Seal Certification?

Getting a Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certification boosts your credentials and differentiates you from most other flight instructors. A gold seal on your pilot's license is a testament to your commitment to excellence in flight instruction training.

In this guide, we'll help you apply for the Gold Seal Instructor certification. We'll give you tips and advice to make sure your application goes smoothly and is successful.

What is a Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certification?

When a  CFI maintains a high level of flight training activity and meets specific criteria, the FAA awards them a special designation, the Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certification. This designation is awarded to Certified Flight Instructors who exceed the standard flight instructor requirements. Only a small percentage of CFIs in the United States hold this prestigious designation. 

This designation has several requirements, including signing off at least ten students within two years, and out of those ten students, eight must pass their checkride on the first attempt. Maintaining the 80% pass score can be challenging as an instructor teaches multiple flight students, including private, instrument and, commercial. The CFI must also hold an advanced ground instructor or instrument ground instructor certificate. 

Section 1: Understanding the Gold Seal Instructor Certification

Before getting started with the application process, let’s find out what the Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certification demands. This certification is awarded by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration in the United States to pilots who have a higher level of competency and proficiency in giving flight instruction. Getting the seal on your certification is a token of honor that sets you apart from the other instructors in the aviation industry. 

Section 2: Prerequisites for Gold Seal Instructor Certification

To qualify for the Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certification, you must meet certain prerequisites. These typically include:

Find Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificates Below: (FAA orders 8700.1)

The specific requirements for the gold seal flight instructor certificate are contained in FAA Orders 8700.1, General Aviation Operations Inspector’s Handbook, and 8710.3C, Pilot Examiner’s Handbook. Flight instructor certificates bearing distinctive gold seals are issued to flight instructors who have maintained a high level of flight training activity and who meet special criteria. Once issued, a gold seal flight instructor certificate will be reissued each time the instructor's certificate is renewed. Applicants for gold seal flight instructor certificates must meet the following requirements:

a. The flight instructor must hold a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating (glider flight instructors need not hold an instrument rating) or an ATP certificate;

b. The flight instructor must hold a ground instructor certificate with an advanced or instrument ground instructor rating; and

c. The flight instructor must have accomplished the following within the previous 24 months:

1. Trained and recommended at least 10 applicants for a practical test, at least 8 of whom passed their tests on the first attempt;

2. Conducted at least 20 practical tests as a designated pilot examiner, or graduation tests as chief instructor of a 14 CFR part 141 approved pilot school course; or

3. A combination of the above requirements. (Two practical tests conducted equal the credit given for one applicant trained and recommended for a practical test.)

   
   

Additional Gold Seal Information / Insights:

Hold a Current FAA Flight Instructor Certificate:

• The first requirement is that you must have a valid and current FAA flight instructor certificate. This is a basic requirement for obtaining this certification.

Accumulate a Minimum Number of Flight Hours:

• Furthermore, the FAA needs you to have a minimum number of flight hours as a flight instructor. The number of hours can differ, so it's essential for you to check the specific requirements at the time of your application.

Demonstrate Effective Instruction:

• One of the most important things you can provide is your  history of effective and successful flight instruction. This history contains the positive outcomes to student training, testimonials, and letters of recommendation from students or colleagues.

Achieve a High Pass Rate:

• Most of the time the FAA looks at your pass rate for the practical test of your students. A high pass rate shows your effectiveness as an instructor. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will only accept your application for the gold seal if you have an 80% pass rate maintained over a 2 year calendar period.

Possess Good Standing and Compliance:

• Lastly, you have to ensure that you are in good position with the FAA and you have followed all the regulations and guidelines for the flight instruction. Any evidence of violations or not following the regulations can impact your eligibility for the Gold Seal.

Section 3: Gathering Necessary Documentation

Gather all the necessary documents before you start your application process. The required documents for your application are: 

1. You will need copies of your current Flight Instructor Certificate.

2. You must have logbooks or records showcasing your flight hours and instructional experience.

3. You will also need letters of recommendation from students or colleagues.

4. Any additional documents requested by the FAA.

Having these documents ready and organized will speed up the application process.

Section 4: Completing the Gold Seal Instructor Application

To start and complete your Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certification application, go to the FAA's online Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system. Complete the application by following the below steps:

1. You must provide accurate personal information.

2. Attach the required documents.

3. Verify that all the information you provided is correct before submission.

Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for the Gold Seal on your Flight Instructor Certificate through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system. This online platform allows you to submit your application, provide the details of necessary documents, and track the progress of your gold seal certification. This system ensures that you meet all of these requirements before proceeding with your gold seal application.