A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is a professional aviator who holds the instructional certificate required to teach and formally authorize student pilots. CFIs ensure that new aviators meet the rigorous safety and proficiency standards set by the governing aviation authority. They develop the foundational skills and technical knowledge required for the next generation of pilots. Becoming a CFI is a significant step, establishing the pilot as a subject matter expert capable of mentoring others.
Defining the Certified Flight Instructor Role
The Certified Flight Instructor holds a specific certificate issued under the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR Part 61 Subpart H). This certificate grants the legal authority to provide instruction for pilot certificates and ratings for compensation. A CFI is empowered to act as the pilot-in-command during flight instruction.
The CFI functions as the gatekeeper to the pilot certification system, assessing a student’s readiness and signing off on their ability to perform maneuvers safely. Their signature is a legal endorsement, certifying that the student has met the required aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency requirements for training phases or practical tests.
Primary Responsibilities of a CFI
A CFI’s daily duties are divided between ground and flight instruction. Ground instruction involves teaching subjects such as aerodynamics, weather, aircraft systems, and federal aviation regulations.
In the aircraft, the CFI teaches practical flight maneuvers, including takeoffs, landings, navigation, and emergency procedures, while flying from the right seat. A major aspect of the job is teaching risk management, which involves training students to make sound aeronautical decisions. The most significant administrative duty is providing logbook endorsements for milestone events, such as a student’s first solo flight or authorization to take a practical examination.
Prerequisites for CFI Certification
Before training to become a CFI, candidates must possess existing pilot experience and certifications. An applicant must hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate (CPL) for the appropriate aircraft category and class (e.g., Airplane Single-Engine Land). This certificate is required because instructing involves acting as a pilot in command for hire.
The applicant must also hold a current Instrument Rating (IR). Additionally, the CFI applicant must document at least 15 hours of pilot-in-command time in the specific aircraft category and class for which the certificate is sought. All applicants must possess a current medical certificate and be at least 18 years old.
The CFI Certification Process
The initial CFI certification process begins with passing two specific written knowledge tests. These are the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) exam, covering teaching methods, and the Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA) exam, focusing on technical knowledge. The FOI test requires an authorized instructor’s endorsement before the applicant can take it.
Following the written exams, the candidate undergoes ground and flight training to transition from a proficient pilot to an effective instructor. This training includes learning to teach from the right seat. The applicant must prepare a Plan of Action, which is a comprehensive set of lesson plans for subjects they may be asked to teach during the final test.
A specific endorsement confirming instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery is mandatory for the initial airplane CFI certificate. The final step is the practical examination, or checkride, which involves a lengthy oral portion and a flight portion with an FAA examiner. The CFI applicant is primarily evaluated on their ability to instruct and teach a topic rather than simply performing maneuvers.
Specialized Flight Instructor Ratings
The basic CFI certificate primarily authorizes instruction under visual flight rules (VFR) in single-engine aircraft. To expand their teaching privileges, CFIs often pursue add-on instructor ratings, the two most common being the Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII) and the Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI).
The CFII rating allows the holder to provide instruction for the Instrument Rating, focusing on flight solely by reference to instruments. The MEI rating permits the CFI to teach in multi-engine aircraft, covering the unique aerodynamics and emergency procedures. Obtaining these specialized ratings increases a CFI’s versatility and marketability. These additional instructor ratings require dedicated training and a separate practical test with an examiner.
Career Benefits and Next Steps
The primary motivation for many pilots to pursue the CFI certificate is the need to accumulate flight time toward the 1,500 hours required for airline employment. Instructing provides a reliable, paid method of building flight hours. Full-time CFIs can log a substantial number of hours per week, often reaching airline minimums within one to two years.
Beyond the hours, instructional experience helps a pilot master aviation concepts at a deeper level, solidifying their understanding and improving airmanship. Working with diverse students also develops maturity, communication, and decision-making skills, which are valued by corporate and airline employers. Once the requisite hours are achieved, the typical career progression leads to flying for charter operations, regional airlines, or corporate flight departments.