Certified Flight Instructor (initial)

 Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) can be a very demanding yet rewarding experience.  Making the decision to teach others and pass on the knowledge a person has obtained should not be taken lightly.  It is more than just a method to “build flight time”.  A dedication to sufficient lesson preparation, employing proper teaching methods, and providing support through mentoring are a must.  As a CFI a person’s knowledge increases substantially, and the ability to pass that on to others becomes less difficult, and more rewarding with time.  

All areas of operation will be covered for both the Private Pilot and Commercial Pilot levels.

 

The following are the minimum training requirements.

Receive and log ground and flight training on the following areas of operation:

          Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)

          Technical Subject Areas

          Preflight preparation

          Preflight lesson on a maneuver to be performed in flight

          Preflight procedures

          Airport base operations

          Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds

          Fundamentals of flight

          Performance maneuvers

          Ground reference maneuvers

          Slow flight, stalls, and spins

          Basic instrument maneuvers

          Emergency operations

          Postflight procedures

Pass the required FOI and CFI written tests, and pass the practical test

 

Most of the initial CFI training is ground training (typically takes 20 -30 hours to accomplish).  The flight portion varies depending on the individual (typically between 10 - and 20 hours of flying).  Costs will vary depending on the individual.  Average cost ranges between $3,200 and $5,500 depending on proficiency.