A career as a flight instructor is one of the most rewarding paths in aviation. You can earn your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate right after obtaining your commercial pilot license, with some additional training to master flying from the right seat. If you plan to pursue your CFI, you can even combine your Commercial and CFI training to complete both at the same time. Just like with your commercial certificate, you can enhance your qualifications by adding ratings such as CFII (Instrument Instructor) and MEI (Multi-Engine Instructor).

 

● Requirements

○ At least 18 years of age and hold at least a commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating.

○ Third class medical certificate training and checkride (Note: class III medical is acceptable when acting as a CFI).

○ FAA Fundamentals of Instructing and Flight Instructor Knowledge Tests (passing grade is 70%)

○ FAA practical test

 

● Hour Requirements

○ The FAA does not set a minimum training requirement for the flight instructor certificate itself. However, you must receive and log both ground and flight instruction from an authorized instructor covering the areas of operation outlined in FAR §61.185 and §61.187.

○ In addition, CFI applicants need an endorsement verifying instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery. Finally, you must pass two knowledge exams: the Fundamentals of Instructing and the Flight Instructor Airplane tests.

 

● Estimated costs ○ Total hours and cost is dependent on necessary hours for proficiency.