What's up now?
Since 20 October 2009, several thousand people have taken the new MCI test using our software and have received their new Flight Instructor certificates. Everyone's doing great on the test with our software... no surprises on the test as guaranteed, and most everyone is scoring between 90-100%. There has been a recent change related to the issuance of Centerline Thrust restrictions on Military Competency flight Instructor certificates. Please read question #10 below for more information.
Call us anytime, 24/7 to subscribe to the software test prep for MCI. You'll study under 380 questions (less than any other company's prep) and you'll have no surprise questions on your test, guaranteed... no other test prep company makes this money-back guarantee on its databases. Your total study effort with the special study features and precise question bank in our software will be less than 6 hours (two evenings of effort). Why study with some other prep company, many of which have you study over 700 questions, and in one cases over 1000.... how much of your time would that waste? Learn more about our software at the bottom of this page under 'Shameless Advertising.'
Click on the large, blue button to the left of the screen for our Paperwork Guide for Military Competency to Flight Instructor, the step-by-step guide for gathering and turning in your application paperwork. The FSDO MCI Processing Feedback link in step #3 on that page is being updated periodically
Where can the official new wording of FAR 61 and the Federal Registry entry be found? See the links in the 'Regulatory Links' section below.
The new one-test-fits-all MCI test is good news because it means you'll only have to go to the testing center once to test. And it truly is one-test-fits-all... in other words, no matter what ratings you'll be applying for when you Mil Comp to your new Flight Instructor certificate, you only take the one MCI test. That's right, whether you're a fixed-wing, helo, powered lift, or glider IP, you just take the one MCI test for everything (yes, Instrument instructor too).
Just as we've done for the past two years, as soon as there's new info available, we'll update this page to pass it along to you. Fly safe. Cheers. -SA
The newest FAR Part 61 Final Rule allows Military Competency conversions to Flight Instructor, along with other new privileges.
This page covers information specific to this FAR change.
Military Competency to Flight Instructor - Specific Info
Existing Software Subscribers
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Personal Telephone Support
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When you get to the testing center of your choice, you'll pay them for the actual exam... usually $150 per test... though you should ask them about $10 AOPA or EAA discount . The FAA raised the price to take a test recently... click here for more.
What does Mil Comp to Flight Instructor mean?
It simply means that you just take the new written exam called MCI, turn in your paperwork, and get your FAA Flight Instructor certificate... CFI - CFII - MEI (Airplane or Helicopter)... it's that easy... no checkrides required.
- Minimum study questions - minimum effort - guaranteed!
- Laser-guided test prep software with live updates!
- No surprises on your test, guaranteed, or your money back!
- You'll be ready for the test in less than 6 hours!
- 24 hour-a-day personal phone tech support!
Mil Comp to Flight Instructor FACT SHEET 10-17-2009 - click here .
Now back to the Shameless Advertising...
Do you guarantee your software?
Yes, absolutely. As with all of our test prep software databases, we guarantee you won't see any scored questions on your MCI test that weren't in our study database, or your money back! No other FAA test prep company makes that guarantee. So why study over 1000 questions with some other prep company when they don't even guarantee their prep and when less than half that number of questions can even show up on your test?
Is the software like your ATP, MCA, and FEX software?
Yes, the same program and study features that made it painless for you to study ATP, FEX, and MCA will guide you thru preparing for the MCI test.
Do you still have 24/7 personal telephone service/support?
Yes, the exact same pro's who've been providing 24-hour support to our subscribers for the last 10 years, who write the software and update the databases, will still be here to help you thru the whole process of Mil Comp to Flight Instructor
... answering your questions, helping you study for the test, and helping you thru the paperwork application process afterward.
What's the cost of your test prep software?
Flight Test 4.0 Test Prep Software for MCI:
Military Competency to Flight Instructor
(It's the same test for both Airplane and Helo): $50
Ok, how do I purchase your software?
Call us 24 hours a day at 940-642-4945 to receive your username and password to download the program right now, straight to your computer. Please have a paper and pencil ready, and your Visa or Mastercard available when you call... sorry, but we do not accept American Express or Discover.
Where do I take the test?
CATS and Lasergrade are the two FAA-authorized companies to provide FAA testing thru flight schools, colleges, and FBOs. Click on the link below to find your nearest testing locations.
Questions & Answers: Here are most of the common questions regarding the new rules that went into effect on 20 Oct 2009. All of these answers have been confirmed by the FAA.
#1: If I already have my FAA Flight Instructor certificate single engine but not instrument (for example), will I have to take the new MCI test to add Instrument Instructor or Multi Engine if I teach those in the military. No, not even if your certificate is expired ... see question #13 below for more. Click here
for the applicable regulatory text.
#2: I retired a long time ago (haven't served as a military IP for a long time)... am I eligible? YES, and the expiration date on your certificate will be 24 months after your date of application.
Click here
for the applicable regulatory text.
#3: Can I renew my flight instructor certificate with my military Instructor Pilot checkride (instead of doing the online renewal course or other methods)? Yes.
Click here
for the applicable regulatory text.
#4: I am foreign military serving with the U.S. armed forces... am I eligible for traditional Military Competency to Commercial Pilot/Instrument? The answer is Yes, and it's gotten even easier than before because they removed a prerequisite.
Click here
for the applicable regulatory text.
#5: I am foreign military serving with the U.S. armed forces... am I eligible for the Mil Comp to Flight Instructor
? YES, you are.
Click here
for the applicable text.
#6: Has the 12-month lookback limitation on my military history been removed so I can add pilot certificate ratings based on my military experience years ago? Yes. Also, the previous PIC requirement has been removed. Click here for the applicable regulatory text.
#7: Can I use my military flight physical to fly civilian aircraft? Yes, after October 20th, provided the flying you're doing only requires a Class III medical, and provided that your crew position in the military is Pilot (not Nav, WSO, Flight Engineer, etc.) Click here for the applicable regulatory text.
#8: I have only been a military instructor pilot in a UAV/UAS (Predator, Global Hawk). Am I eligible for the Mil Comp to Flight Instructor conversion? No. The conversion is for converting military instructor pilot certifications from manned aircraft.
#9: What pilot ratings do I need on my pilot certificate in order to get rating on my new Flight Instructor certificate? You need commercial privileges or ATP privileges on your pilot certificate for anything you're going to ask for on your Flight Instructor certificate. So if you only have Private Pilot privileges for Single Engine airplanes on your pilot certificate, but you teach in T-34s or T-6s for the Navy, then you'll need to push your Single Engine privileges up to commercial with traditional Military Competency to Commercial pilot in order to get Airplane Single Engine on your Flight Instructor certificate. Keep in mind, under the new rules, you can pull airplanes forward to your pilot certificate and Flight Instructor certificate from as far back in your career as you need to.
#10 (Updated 06-29-2010): I've only instructed in centerline thrust multiengine aircraft for the military (F-15, T-38, T-37, F-14, F-18, A-10, etc). Will they give me Airplane Multiengine on my new Flight Instructor Certificate, and if so will it be restricted to centerline thrust aircraft? No, they won't give you Airplane Multiengine on your new Flight Instructor certificate, and centerline thrust limitations are no longer applicable to Mil Comp Flight Instructor certificates. For the full answer, click here.
#11: I've only instructed in multiengine aircraft in the military (C-130s). The Flight Instructor certificate I get from the MCI test will get me Flight Instructor "Airplane Multiengine" and "Instrument Airplane", but not "Airplane Single Engine". How do I get Airplane Single Engine so I can teach my son to fly in our C-172? Click here for the answer.
#12: Where can I read the new requirements for NVG Pilot qualificaion and NVG Instructor qualificaion? What about remaining current? Click here.
#13: I already have an FAA Flight Instructor Certificate, but it has expired. Can I reinstate it with the new 14 CFR 61.73 military competency to Flight Instructor, and can I add more ratings to it thru the new military competency to Flight Instructor process? Click here for the complete answer.
#14: If I've already taken one or more of the three classic Flight Instructor required tests (like FOI, FIA, & FII for fixed-wing or FOI, FRH, & FIH for helo), can I use those test score reports instead of the new MCI test to Mil Comp to my Flight Instructor certificate? No, the FAA will NOT accept any combination of the 3 classic tests in lieu of the new MCI test.
#15: I wanted to add a type rating/aircraft rating to my pilot certificate (or my new flight instructor certificate) at the FSDO, but was told that since I had no time in that aircraft in the preceding 12 months, that I was not eligible to have it added. Is that correct? NO, it's not. Click here.
What do I have to do to apply for these ratings?
Current/Former Military Instructors and Evaluators: To get an FAA instructor certificate with the ratings on it that you hold/held in your military aircraft, just take the MCI test and then turn in your paperwork to the nearest Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). That's it. Click on the big blue Paperwork Guide button at the top of this page for more details.
The legislative change has taken over 2 years to become reality. It has been our pleasure keep you up to date on it here, and to answer your individual telephone and email questions on how it applies to your situation. We'll continue to keep you informed and answer any questions you have, so call or write anytime. As you probably know by now from our previous updates, the very first Military Competency to Flight Instructor certificate was issued the day the legislation became effective (20 Oct 2009). Our thanks and congratulations go out to Mr. Lynch and the others in the FAA who worked so hard to make the legislative change and the new MCI test happen.
Federal Register announcement & effective date in HTML, click here .
Sheppard Air is...
...the only test prep company with a money-back guarantee of no surprise questions on your test.
...the only FAA test prep company in the world with 24/7 personal, telephone, U.S.-based tech support.
...the first test prep company to provide test prep specifically designed for the MCI test.
...the only test prep company who's databases are updated 24/7, every day.
...the only test prep company who's worked with FAA Washington and OKC to publish the progress of this new legislation over the last two-plus years.
Federal Register announcement & effective date in PDF, click here .
New FAR 61.73 actual wording, click here . [FAR covering military competency conversions.]
New FAR 61.197 actual wording, click here . [FAR on renewing flight instructor certificates.]
New FAR 61.23 actual wording, click here . [FAR allowing military medicals as a Class III.]
Military Competency to Instructor
2+ Years in the Making
Here are the Details:
Note: When you subscribe to our program, your license to view and memorize our proprietary database with our software is limited to only one person and only one computer. There is no way to print the questions, so you must study at a computer (with the rapid pace of FAA changes, paper gets old too quickly). In addition, your username and password will initially be valid for 30 days, and the program will stop working at the expiration of that time if you HAVE taken your exam. If you HAVE NOT taken your exam in 30 days, you may get extensions to continue studying at no additional charge until you have taken your exam, or until you reach one year, whichever occurs first. If you have not taken your exam after one year, you will need to pay a subscription renewal fee to extend the license period and to keep your 24/7 technical support. It is best if the computer you study from has internet access (in order to receive automatic question bank and software updates), though internet access is not required to study.
Regulatory Links:
Military Competency to Flight Instructor
Fly safe.
Cheers,
-SA
Tell Me More... choose an option:
Call us 24/7 to purchase our test prep software. (940) 642-4945 You'll receive your username and password to download right away.
Over 10 Years Providing Test Prep for Pilots
Important News:
06-29-2010 Update: See Question #10 below on Centerline Thrust Restrictions.
Paper pilot ce
rtifi
cates Invalid after March 31, 2010.
Click Here
How do people like your MCI prep course? Here are some quotes:
"Your method is fantastic!! I highly recommend it. I can't thank SheppardAir.com enough for all the help on the written and the specific instructions on meeting with the FSDO. I took the inspectors guide and the regulation printout with me and he referred to them repeatedly. You guys really have it together for the MCI certificate process. I could not have done it without your help. Thank you so much."
"This is my first experience with SA, but I have only heard good things. Now I know why. The quality of your product and particularly your service is simply unprecedented. Thank you."
"I am an active duty Marine LtCol who is retiring in 9 mos and beginning my transition into civilian helicopter aviation (need to obtain my CFI and ATP ratings before retirement). Just wanted to send my thanks for the great study prep software. I took the MCI test at my local CATS center and when I checked in I was asked if I prepared through Sheppard Air - I responded yes and the lady at the counter stated 'you should have no problems then because everyone who has taken it so far with Sheppard Air prep has been very successful.' I have called your customer support line on several occasions and am very impressed with your support and the entire process. I followed all of the instructions and test prep guidance to the T and easily scored a 100% on the exam. I am a believer after this experience and will not hesitate to recommend you to all who are seeking test prep software for future quals."
Call us 24/7 to purchase our test prep software. (940) 642-4945 You'll receive your username and password to download right away.
Call us 24/7 to purchase our test prep software. (940) 642-4945 You'll receive your username and password to download right away.
Don't worry... unlike other test prep programs, you won't be disappointed by finding 25 questions on your FAA test you've never seen before... we won't let you down... we guarantee it.