Becoming a flight instructor is the next step in your aviation career. Being a flight instructor allows you to build time and experience quickly and it is considered the best way to truly learn about aviation.

Three Types of Flight Instructors

• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

  • Can instruct private and commercial students

• Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)

  • Can instruct instrument students and other CFII students

• Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)

  • Can instruct multi engine students

CFI Requirements

Course Prerequisites

• Ability to read, write and speak English

• Be at least 18 years old to start training

• Commercial pilot certificate or airline transport pilot certificate and an instrument rating

• BasicMed or higher

Training Requirements

There is no minimum hour requirement to take your CFI practical test. All of your flying will be from the right seat and your instructor will sign you off to take your checkride once you are proficient flying and teaching.

• Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) Written Test

• Flight Instructor Airplane/Helicopter (FIA/FIH) Written Test

For your training, you will need a flight instructor who has held their CFI certificate for over 2 years, or has enough checkride sign offs.