Certified Flight Instructor
+
Instrument
Teach Others to Fly
A CFI certificate is one of the most common ways for professional pilots to build valuable flight experience while working as an instructor.
For many professional pilots, flight instruction is an important step toward building the experience required for an airline career.
PREREQUISITE
Commercial
Or ATP certificate
KNOWLEDGE TESTS
FOI + FIA
Both required
MINIMUM AGE
18
For certificate issuance
NO MIN HOURS
Endorsement
After passing checkride
RECENT EXPERIENCE
24 months
Activity or FIRC
What Training Looks Like
CFI training is as much about communication as it is about flying. Here's how we build both from the ground up.
FUNDAMENTALS OF INSTRUCTION
Teaching isn't just flying well, it's understanding how people learn. You'll study adult learning theory, effective communication, and how to identify and correct student errors before they become habits.
AERONAUTICAL KNOWLEDGE MASTERY
As a CFI, you must know the 'why' behind every maneuver and regulation. You'll review everything from private through commercial, now with the depth required to explain it clearly to someone learning for the first time.
TEACHING FROM THE RIGHT SEAT
Flying from the right seat changes everything. You'll practice demonstrating maneuvers, providing clear verbal instruction, and maintaining situational awareness while your student is at the controls.
LESSON PLANNING & STAGE CHECKS
Build lesson plans that meet FAA syllabus requirements. You'll learn to evaluate student progress, conduct stage checks, and maintain the logbook endorsements and records that protect you and your students.
SCENARIO-BASED INSTRUCTION
Real-world scenarios push students to make decisions under pressure. You'll learn to design and debrief scenarios that develop judgment, not just stick-and-rudder skill.
CHECKRIDE PREP & PRACTICAL TEST
Two knowledge tests (FOI and FIA), followed by a practical test covering all required areas of operation. Your instructor will walk you through every element before the DPE does.
AGE
Must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Flight Instructor Certificate.
FAA REQUIREMENTS
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
You'll need a Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Instrument Rating before starting. The remaining requirements are completed during your training program.
CERTIFICATES & RATINGS
Must hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate (or ATP) with an Instrument Rating.
MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
Must hold at least a Third Class Medical Certificate (or BasicMed).
FLIGHT EXPERIENCE
Must have logged at least 250 hours total flight time with specific PIC and cross-country requirements.
KNOWLEDGE TEST
Must pass both the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) and Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA) written exams.
HOURLY REQUIREMENTS
WHAT YOU'LL NEED BEFORE STARTING
You'll need a Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Instrument Rating before starting. The remaining requirements are completed during your training program.
FAA REQUIREMENTS
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250 hours total flight time
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100 hours as Pilot in Command in powered aircraft
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50 hours cross-country flight time as Pilot in Command
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15 hours of instrument flight time
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Pass the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) written exam
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Pass the Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA) written exam
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Demonstrate proficiency in all private and commercial maneuvers at checkride
WHERE WE ARE
Our Locations
We operate out of two airports in the Mid-Atlantic region.