Who is a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)?
A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is a licensed pilot who has received specialized training to teach others how to operate aircraft safely and effectively. Although the exact privileges of a CFI can vary by country, the core role remains the same: enhancing and evaluating the skills and knowledge of aspiring pilots as they work towards obtaining their pilot’s license, certificate, or rating.
What Does a Certified Flight Instructor Do?
Flight instructors are the cornerstone of the aviation industry. They take on the vital task of teaching and mentoring future pilots, guiding them through the complex process of earning their pilot’s certificate. Additionally, CFIs assist current pilots in advancing their skills and qualifications as they pursue more advanced certificates and ratings. CFIs bring to life the essential lessons of aviation that cannot be fully captured by textbooks or automated systems, offering practical insights and techniques based on real-world experience.
A CFI’s role extends beyond teaching; they also serve as role models, exemplifying the discipline, professionalism, and passion required to excel in aviation. A skilled CFI can lead a student pilot from their first flight to becoming a safe, confident, and proficient aviator. The best flight instructors are those who are not only knowledgeable and experienced but also creative in their teaching approach.
Why Should You Become a Certified Flight Instructor?
Flight instructors are the cornerstone of the aviation industry. They take on the vital task of teaching and mentoring future pilots, guiding them through the complex process of earning their pilot’s certificate. Additionally, CFIs assist current pilots in advancing their skills and qualifications as they pursue more advanced certificates and ratings. CFIs bring to life the essential lessons of aviation that cannot be fully captured by textbooks or automated systems, offering practical insights and techniques based on real-world experience.
A CFI’s role extends beyond teaching; they also serve as role models, exemplifying the discipline, professionalism, and passion required to excel in aviation. A skilled CFI can lead a student pilot from their first flight to becoming a safe, confident, and proficient aviator. The best flight instructors are those who are not only knowledgeable and experienced but also creative in their teaching approach.
Why Should You Become a Certified Flight Instructor?
There are numerous reasons why pilots choose to become CFIs, but one of the most compelling is the opportunity to gain experience and build flight time. Earning a CFI certificate is a strategic move for many aspiring commercial pilots, as most aviation careers, especially those in commercial airlines, require a significant amount of flight time.
By teaching others, CFIs quickly accumulate the flight hours needed to meet these requirements. Moreover, instructing reinforces the knowledge and skills acquired during their own training, making CFIs some of the most well-rounded and knowledgeable aviators in the industry. As a CFI, you’ll not only gain experience but also take on the rewarding responsibility of training and endorsing new pilots for their FAA practical tests.
Becoming a CFI is both a challenging and fulfilling career path that allows you to give back to the aviation community. For many, it’s their first paid job in aviation, while others find such satisfaction in teaching that they make it a lifelong career.
How Do You Become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)?
To become a CFI, you must first obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). Following this, you’ll need to complete a flight instructor certificate program, which is available both online and at certified flight schools or aviation colleges. This program focuses on the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) and prepares you for the FAA knowledge tests and practical exams required to earn your CFI certificate.
The FOI course is designed to equip you with a deep understanding of how humans learn, ensuring you can effectively teach student pilots. For those with prior teaching experience, such as school teachers, there may be an opportunity to “test out” of this requirement, as their background provides them with the foundational skills necessary for effective instruction.
After passing the FOI test, you’ll enter ground school and flight training, where you’ll practice teaching under the guidance of an experienced CFI. This hands-on training is crucial in preparing you to instruct others and helps you develop the practical teaching skills required for your FAA checkride
Once you’ve successfully completed your training, you’ll receive the necessary logbook endorsements and FAA Knowledge Test results to earn your CFI certificate. Depending on your training, you can be certified to instruct in various areas, such as single-engine, multi-engine, or instrument flying.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Certified Flight Instructor?
While the FAA doesn’t set a strict minimum time requirement to become a CFI, the process generally begins as soon as you start your pilot training. To be eligible, you must hold a Commercial Pilot License, which requires at least 250 hours of flight time, along with various sub-requirements depending on the type of CFI certificate you’re pursuing.
Flight instructor courses at certified schools typically take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to complete, depending on the level of certification sought. Our expedited program allows you to become a CFI in just 3 weeks at an accelerated schedule.
What Are the Different Types of Flight Instructor Certifications?
Certified Flight Instructors can specialize in different areas, allowing them to provide training in various types of aircraft and scenarios. The three main types of CFI certifications are:
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI): Authorized to instruct in single-engine aircraft.
- Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII): Authorized to teach instrument flying, enabling pilots to operate in low visibility conditions.
- Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI): Authorized to instruct in multi-engine aircraft.
After earning their CFI certification, instructors can teach pilots in any aircraft category for which they are certified. For example, a CFI can only instruct in tailwheel aircraft or seaplanes if they have received the necessary training and endorsements to operate those types of aircraft.
What is the Salary of a Certified Flight Instructor?
The salary of a CFI can vary significantly based on location, the type of instruction provided, and the instructor’s experience level. While some CFIs earn an annual salary, most are paid hourly, with rates ranging from $15 to $60 per hour. Annual salaries typically range from $28,000 to $75,000, depending on the number of hours worked and the types of courses taught.
CFIs who hold advanced qualifications and teach higher-level courses often earn more. Additionally, instructors with a steady stream of students tend to achieve higher incomes
What Are the Eligibility Requirements to Become a CFI?
To become a Certified Flight Instructor, you must meet the following basic requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old by the time of your FAA checkride.
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
- Hold at least a Commercial Pilot Certificate.
- Hold a valid FAA 3rd Class Medical Certificate (or higher).
- Hold an Instrument Rating.
- Have logged at least 15 hours of flight time as Pilot in Command (PIC) in the aircraft category and class you wish to instruct.
- Receive Spin Awareness training from an authorized instructor.
Additionally, you’ll need to pass two FAA knowledge tests—the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) and Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA) exams—and complete a practical checkride, which includes both an oral exam and a flight test.
*Reference 14 CFR §61.183 for the full list of eligibility requirements.
