Quick question, probably a one or two sentence response, but I’ve been curious for a few days now…
I’ve been seeing more and more aviation magazines with a ‘Gold Seal CFI’ in them. What does this ‘Gold Seal CFI’ mean and what does it give you as an instructor or candidate of future endeavors as an advantage, if any? How would one obtain such certificate?
Maybe someone else out there is wondering the same question and maybe I’m breaking the ice because I’m just like them, curious.
GOLD SEAL FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATES. 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.)
Brady,
Joshua gave you the nuts and bolts of it. In reality all you really get is a Gold Seal on your actual CFI ticket (looks pretty) and 2 more words to put on your resume (yes I have one).
Now back in the day, long before all you needed was 1500hrs and a heartbeat these were the things that helped you stand out. It was mentioned at my first interview at ExpressJet and also helped when I applied to be an instructor for the same airline. Now however as I said getting hired is practically a given BUT I do still feel it can be helpful should you aspire to get into your airline’s training dept and it doesn’t cost you anything more than taking an extra written exam so why not? You might never need it but if the airlines ever catch up staffing wise it might just be what you need if it’s between you and someone else.
Adam
Thanks for the find Josh.
Adam,
Is the extra exam the AGI (if I assume from the “advanced ground instructor”)? From your current airline experience and being apart of the union etc., do you feel candidates that have this on their resume get a better opportunity of candidacy? I’d have no problem going the extra mile to obtain the ‘gold seal’ regardless, but just curious if it will still stand out interviews? Hoping some of these newer CFIs can join in and share their opinions if they have acquired the ‘gold seal’.
Brady
Brady,
Either the AGI or IGI will suffice. You simply need to bring that exam to your local FSDO and they’ll swap it for the corresponding certificate (easiest one you’ll ever get).
As for the rest please see above.
Adam
Brady,
I would get the Gold Seal. It is very easy to get and is one more thing to put on your resume. You would be surprised how many CFIs do not get one. Makes no sense to me not to have it.
Chris
Hi all,
It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything on the forum here, but I do check in from time to time! I actually have a question of clarification on this topic for the mentors and any fellow CFIs on here. Based on the wording of the requirements “Trained and recommended at least 10 applicants for a practical test, at least 8 of whom passed their tests on the first attempt,” the actual ratio of first-attempt passes to total check ride recommendations does not matter, correct? I don’t have to maintain an 80% first attempt pass rate until acquiring gold seal, right?
The reason I’m asking is because I recently had my 8th first attempt pass of a check ride ON number 10 of total check rides I’ve endorsed as a CFI. I have another student I’m hoping to endorse for a check ride here soon, but I haven’t had a chance to renew my CFI with the Gold Seal yet with my local FSDO. So if that student doesn’t pass, my first-attempt pass rate would drop below 80%. But again, it doesn’t appear that that matters based on the actual wording of the requirements. Can anyone else confirm this to be true? Thanks!
Kyle,
I believe you are reading that correctly, but let’s hope the student passes 
Chris
Kyle,
That is correct and once you earn it you keep it for life.
Adam
I don’t think that’s correct Kyle, you need an 80% pass rate. Check out the FAA’s website here:
https://fsims.faa.gov/wdocs/8900.1/v05%20airman%20cert/chapter%2002/05_002_013rev1.htm
Section E 3) says 10 people and 80% first time pass rate
Andy
Darrell,
There are of course plenty of fine CFIs out there that are not Gold Seal. It is simply something extra that can be put-on a resume to help differentiate one from the pack. It shows initiative and hiring departments like that.
Chris