Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Teach Others to Fly
Become a Certified Flight Instructor and share your passion for aviation. CFI is the most common way pilots build hours toward airline careers while getting paid to fly.
- Get paid to fly
- Build hours fast
- Path to airlines
- Deepen your skills
What Can You Do as a Flight Instructor?
CFI certification opens doors to paid flying and accelerated career growth
Get Paid to Fly
Earn money while building flight hours. CFIs typically earn $25-50/hour while accumulating the experience airlines require.
Build Hours Fast
Full-time instructors can log 800-1,200 hours per year. Reach airline minimums faster than any other entry-level flying job.
Master Your Craft
Teaching reinforces your own knowledge and skills. The best pilots often say they learned the most while instructing.
Airline Foundation
Most airline pilots started as CFIs. The skills you develop—communication, judgment, handling emergencies—are invaluable.
Give the Gift of Flight
There's nothing like the moment a student solos or passes their checkride. You'll change lives and create fellow aviators.
Flexible Career
Work full-time, part-time, or on your own schedule. Many CFIs instruct while pursuing other aviation opportunities.
Requirements & Prerequisites
Here's what you need to become a Certified Flight Instructor
Pilot Certificates
- Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate (or ATP)
- Hold an Instrument Rating
Flight Experience
- 250 hours total flight time
- Meets Commercial Pilot requirements
Knowledge Requirements
- Pass FAA Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) written
- Pass FAA Flight Instructor Airplane written
Medical & Age
- 18 years old minimum
- At least Third-Class Medical Certificate
Most students pursue CFI immediately after Commercial to start building hours while the checkride maneuvers are fresh.
What's Included in Your Training
Learn to teach flying effectively and safely
Ground School
The art and science of teaching
- Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI)
- Learning theory and techniques
- Lesson planning and syllabus design
- Risk management instruction
- Endorsements and regulations
- Teaching methodologies
Flight Training
Learn to teach from the right seat
- Right seat flying proficiency
- Demonstration techniques
- Common student errors
- Teaching maneuvers and procedures
- Emergency scenario instruction
- Spin training and endorsement
Checkride Prep
Prepare for the demanding CFI checkride
- Written exams (FOI & FIA)
- Extensive oral preparation
- Lesson plan development
- Mock checkrides
- Teaching demonstrations
Your Training Milestones
Written Exams
Pass FOI and FIA knowledge tests
Week 1-2Right Seat Proficiency
Master flying from instructor's seat
10-15 hoursSpin Training
Complete spin endorsement
15-20 hoursCheckride
Pass your CFI practical test
25-40 hoursTransparent Pricing
An investment that pays for itself quickly
Flight Training
Ground Training
Materials & Fees
CFI training costs vary based on prior proficiency and how much preparation you do independently.
Ready to Teach? Let's Plan Your CFI
Schedule a consultation to start your CFI journey
Let's review your certificates, discuss your career goals, and create a plan to get you certified and instructing as quickly as possible.
What's Included:
- Review certificates & experience
- Discuss career goals
- Create training timeline
- Answer your questions
Most of our CFI graduates end up instructing for us. Ask about instructor opportunities!
From Our CFI Graduates
Hear from instructors who earned their CFI with us
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Free CFI Career Guide
Everything you need to know about becoming a flight instructor
Our comprehensive guide covers CFI training, the checkride, career opportunities, and how to maximize your time-building as an instructor.
What's Inside:
- CFI training roadmap
- Checkride preparation tips
- Career opportunities as a CFI
- Hour-building strategies
- Path to airlines timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about becoming a CFI
How long does it take to get a CFI certificate?
Most students complete CFI training in 4-8 weeks with dedicated study and flying. The timeline depends on how much ground preparation you do independently and your proficiency with maneuvers from the right seat.
Is the CFI checkride really the hardest?
It's certainly one of the most demanding. The oral portion can last 4-6 hours, and you must demonstrate the ability to teach, not just perform. However, with proper preparation, our students have an excellent pass rate.
Can I work here after getting my CFI?
Yes! We're always looking for quality instructors. Many of our CFI graduates join our team after certification. It's a great way to build hours in a supportive environment with students you already know.
How much can I earn as a CFI?
CFI pay varies by location and employer. Typical rates are $25-50/hour for instruction time. Full-time instructors working 30-40 instructional hours per week can earn $40,000-70,000 annually while building 800+ hours per year.
Do I need to teach right away after getting my CFI?
No, but instructing is the most effective way to build hours toward airline minimums. The skills stay fresh if you start teaching soon after your checkride. Many pilots instruct part-time while pursuing other opportunities.
What's the difference between CFI and CFII?
CFI allows you to teach Private and Commercial students in VFR conditions. CFII (Instrument Instructor) allows you to teach instrument students. Most instructors get both since instrument students are a significant portion of the student population.
How many hours will I build as an instructor?
Full-time instructors typically log 800-1,200 hours per year. At that rate, you can reach the 1,500-hour ATP minimum in 18-24 months. Part-time instructors build fewer hours but still progress steadily.
Do I need spin training for CFI?
Yes. CFI applicants must receive spin training and a logbook endorsement. You'll learn spin entry, recognition, and recovery techniques. This is included in our CFI program.
Still have questions?