Can I self-certify my remote pilot certificate as a CFI?
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Answered By AOPA
I'm holding a CFI/II in airplane category. I just completed an online course in AOPA for a remote pilot certificate and submitted an application in IACRA.
I'm wondering if I could self-certify my application or should I find another CFI to certify my application?
 
4 Replies
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AOPA Staff Answer
Ron is absolutely correct. Also, are you sure you took an AOPA course for Remote Pilot Certification? You should have taken the FAA Safety Course titled "ALC-451: Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (small UAS) Initial". Your completion certificate from that course and proof of a current flight review will be needed for initial certification.
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1669 Posts
14 CFR 61.195(i) prohibits all self-certification by CFI's.
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Thanks. I thought it'd be different for a remote pilot certificate process.
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The word used in 61.195(i) is “self-endorsement”, not “self-certification”.

Interestingly, there is no such language in Subpart I, Ground Instructors.  Back in the 1980s, I had a Ground Instructor certificate and I endorsed myself for the Instrument Instructor written.  The test proctor accepted it.

Last November, while I was still an FAA inspector, I entered an application in IACRA for a CFI renewal.  Just for the heck of it, I went into IACRA to see if I could issue my own certificate.  IACRA will not allow a person to process an application for his own FTN number.  So, no.  You may not process your own application.