A flight instructor certificate allows you to teach others to learn to fly, by giving flight and ground instruction. The instructor route is considered the best way of building the necessary experience and hours to qualify for an Airline Transport Pilot certificate. A prerequisite for enrollment in this course is a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating.

Completion Time & Cost

The CFI certificate normally requires 15 to 30 hours of flight instruction, 10 to 20 hours of ground instruction and costs approximately $3,500 -$6,500.

Requirements Summary:

18 years of age

Read, speak, write and understand English

Hold at least a valid third class medical

Hold a Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP) with an aircraft rating appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought.

Hold an instrument rating, if the person is person is applying for an airplane or an instrument instructor rating.

Receive instruction of fundamentals of instructing

Receive instruction in areas of operation listed in 61.187b

Pass two knowledge tests

Pass an oral and practical test

Receive instruction in stall awareness, spin entry, spins and spin recovery

Log at least 15 hours PIC in the category and class of aircraft appropriate to the rating sought