Certified Flight Instructor
The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) course is structured to guide a commercial pilot certificate holder in obtaining the Certified Flight Instructor rating. Having a CFI certificate is necessary for instructing other pilot certificate applicants, conducting flight reviews, overseeing aircraft proficiency, and facilitating insurance checkouts. It serves as a foundational step for those looking to broaden their career prospects in the field of professional piloting.
Teaching is an effective method for mastering a subject, and becoming a flight instructor goes beyond expectations, rapidly enhancing flight knowledge and proficiency. As a CFI, one can accrue valuable flight hours, gain hands-on experience, refine skills, and increase awareness of safety—all while earning a wage for flying.
Being a CFI presents constant challenges that contribute to ongoing learning, fostering an environment where one continually improves their ability to comprehend and communicate complex aviation concepts. CFIs have the unique opportunity to exponentially expand their experience by honing their piloting and communication skills. Beyond personal growth, CFIs play a crucial role in impacting the safety and proficiency of the pilots they train. Furthermore, they contribute significantly to the future of aviation by guiding individuals on the journey to becoming skilled aviators, making the act of teaching someone to fly one of the most rewarding aspects of the profession.
​
Become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
​
The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) initial course is an in-depth and comprehensive program that demands considerable effort and commitment from both the applicant and the instructor. The course encompasses approximately 25 hours of ground school and up to 20 hours of flight training, spread across 14 flight lessons. The focus of CFI training lies in the effective communication of aviation concepts, both on the ground and during flight. Unlike previous training stages that emphasized piloting skills, the CFI course assumes that applicants already hold a commercial pilot certificate and have mastered flying. Now, the emphasis shifts to mastering the art of teaching aviation, making ground training the central focus.
The ground school covers all the subject areas outlined in the fundamentals of instruction and the Flight Instructor Aeronautical Knowledge. Applicants are expected to dedicate significant time to self-study and engage in practice-teaching sessions with fellow students under the instructor's supervision.
Upon reaching the checkride stage, the applicant should have acquired the knowledge and confidence required to qualify as a flight instructor. The flight portion of the course involves executing private, commercial, and CFI maneuvers while instructing from the right seat.
​
Prerequisites
​
Must hold a Commercial Airplane license with instrument rating and 250 hours total time. Must have a current third class medical certificate.
​
How much will it cost?
Online Ground School​
$300.00
​
DPE​
$1,000.00
​
Aircraft Rental
$120.00​​​​​​
(Fuel & Oil Included)
​
Duel Flight Instruction
Hourly Rate to be determined between pilot and instructor
​
​
* These prices are just an estimate. Actual costs will vary on an individual basis depending on different learning styles and the proficiency and preparation of the pilot. FAA Examiner costs vary by location, your examiner will give you their cost when contacted for your exam.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​