In the normal sequence of certificates and ratings for pilots who selec a commercial airline career, the certificated flight instructor (CFI) is typically the next license sought. Although the commercial pilot certificate does allow flight for hire, it is usually the flight instructor who first finds work in the flying field. Even a brand new CFI is immediately employable, since flight instructors are in continual demand. Additionally, CFI's build valuable pilot-in-command time whenever they are flying with a student pilot. Thus, this certificate is usually the key to progression within a civilian flying career. The new CFI is building important experience, while finally being paid to fly by someone else. There are few career CFI's, but most airline pilots have passed through this career briefly en route to the jet cockpit.

There are no minimum hours for the flight instructor certificate, but a commercial license is a prerequisite. Normally at least 50 hours beyond the commercial certificate is required, with some of it in a complex airplane (once again, the flight test must be in a retractable gear aircraft). In the process, the student learns the details of precision flying along with basic teaching techniques. based on 50 hours of training (half of it in a complex airplane) the additional cost after the commercial license is estimated to be $7500. Normally, the flight instructor certificate is not obtained until after graduation fro Mt SAC. Students with an A.S. degree in Commercial Flight or Aviation Science who complete their flight instructor certificate can apply for employment with our college’s flight training program (College Aviation).