Instrument Flight Instructor (CFII)
Teach Instrument Students
Add CFII to your instructor certificates and teach instrument students. CFII opens up a larger pool of students and helps you build more hours toward your career goals.
- Teach instrument students
- More students available
- Build hours faster
- Higher earning potential
What Can You Do as a CFII?
Instrument instructor privileges expand your teaching capabilities
Teach Instrument Students
Train pilots for their Instrument Rating. Instrument students represent a significant portion of the student pilot population.
Larger Student Pool
Without CFII, you can only teach Private and Commercial VFR. With CFII, you can teach the full range of single-engine students.
Build Hours Faster
More students means more flight time. CFII instructors typically build hours faster than CFI-only instructors.
Higher Demand
CFII instructors are in high demand. Schools often have more instrument students than instructors to teach them.
Stay IFR Current
Teaching instrument students keeps your own IFR skills sharp. You'll fly approaches and procedures regularly.
Better Career Position
Airlines value the experience of teaching complex IFR procedures. CFII experience stands out on applications.
Requirements & Prerequisites
Adding CFII to your instructor credentials
Existing Certificates
- Hold a CFI certificate
- Hold an Instrument Rating
Flight Experience
- Instrument flight experience as required for CFI
- No additional hour minimums beyond CFI
Knowledge Requirements
- Pass FAA Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) written
- Or pass Instrument Flight Instructor written
Practical Test
- Demonstrate instrument teaching ability
- Demonstrate IFR procedures proficiency
CFII can be added immediately after CFI or later. Many instructors add it within their first few months of instructing.
What's Included in Your Training
Learn to effectively teach instrument flying
Ground School
Teaching instrument concepts
- IFR teaching methodologies
- Common instrument student errors
- Teaching approaches and procedures
- IFR lesson planning
- Risk management in IMC
- Instrument checkride preparation
Flight Training
Instrument instruction techniques
- Teaching basic attitude flying
- Teaching navigation and approaches
- Demonstrating partial panel
- Teaching holds and procedures
- Emergency scenario instruction
- Checkride maneuvers review
Checkride Prep
Prepare for your CFII practical
- Written exam preparation
- Oral exam topics
- Teaching demonstrations
- Mock checkrides
- Final stage check
Your Training Milestones
Written Exam
Pass IGI or Instrument CFI written
Week 1Teaching Basics
Learn instrument teaching techniques
5-10 hoursApproach Teaching
Master teaching all approach types
10-15 hoursCheckride
Pass your CFII practical test
15-20 hoursTransparent Pricing
A quick add-on that expands your teaching capabilities
Flight Training
Ground Training
Materials & Fees
CFII training is relatively quick since you already have CFI and Instrument Rating.
Ready to Teach IFR? Add CFII
Schedule training to expand your teaching privileges
Let's get you teaching instrument students. CFII training is efficient and focused—most instructors complete it in just a few weeks.
What's Included:
- Ground school preparation
- Flight training
- Checkride preparation
- DPE scheduling assistance
Already a CFI here? Current instructors get priority scheduling for CFII add-on training.
From Our CFII Graduates
Hear from instrument instructors who trained with us
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Free CFII Training Guide
Everything you need to know about adding instrument instructor
Our guide covers CFII requirements, training, the checkride, and how to maximize your hour-building with instrument students.
What's Inside:
- CFII training overview
- Checkride preparation tips
- Teaching instrument effectively
- Hour-building strategies
- Career advancement benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about CFII
How long does it take to add CFII?
Most CFIs add CFII in 2-4 weeks. Since you already have your CFI and Instrument Rating, training focuses on the teaching aspect. The checkride is also shorter than the initial CFI checkride.
Should I get CFII right after CFI?
Many instructors get CFII within their first few months of instructing. Some prefer to gain some teaching experience first, while others add it immediately. Both approaches work—it depends on your situation and goals.
Do I need to take another written test?
Yes, you need to pass either the Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) or the Instrument Flight Instructor written test. Many choose IGI since it's a broader test that also grants ground instructor privileges.
What's the CFII checkride like?
The CFII checkride focuses on your ability to teach instrument flying. You'll demonstrate teaching techniques for various IFR procedures and show that you can effectively train instrument students.
How much more can I earn with CFII?
CFII doesn't usually increase your hourly rate, but it significantly increases your available teaching hours. More students means more paid flight time, which translates to higher annual earnings.
Can I teach instrument students actual IMC?
Yes! With CFII, you can conduct instrument training in actual instrument meteorological conditions. This is valuable experience for both you and your students—and it's more realistic training.
Still have questions?