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CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR COURSE [CFI]
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A great way to build up hours and pass on your knowledge and expertise is to become a CFI. Not only is it beneficial to the newly qualified pilot hunting for his or her first job to have this certification, but also as a qualification that can make a difference throughout one's career. Most large airline companies have internal training departments, for recurrence training as well as transitioning pilots into new equipment. These instructor positions are often most attractive and sought-after jobs in the company.
Course Objectives:
A flight instructor serves to enhance or evaluate the knowledge and skill level of an aviator in pursuit of a higher pilot's license, certificate or rating. Students will complete a minimum of 70 hours in our Teaching Assistant course, 30 hours in our Flight Observation Course, and will perfect their knowledge of aviation to pass it on to others.
Flight Training Includes:
Practice of all flight maneuvers from the co-pilot seat: slow flight, steep turns, stalls, ground references maneuvers, and take offs and landings, and effective pre/post flight instruction
Ground Training Includes:
The preparation of lesson plans and teaching students with varying background and skills, evaluation of individual student flight programs, effective pre/post flight instruction, analysis and correction of student pilot errors, flight instructor responsibilities and certifying procedures.
A person who is a Certified Flight Instructor is authorized to give training and endorsements required for, and relating to:
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A student, private, commercial or other pilot certificate
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The 3 hours of training with reference only to instruments in preparation for a Private Pilot certificate
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A Flight Instructor Certificate is only given if he/she has met the experience requirements (detailed below)
Certain limitations are placed on the instruction a flight instructor may give; for example, flight instructors wishing to train applicants for a flight instructor certificate must have held their own flight instructor certificate for at least 24 months and given at least 200hrs of instruction. Specific training programs have additional requirements or limitations.
Requirements:
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Be at least 18 years of age
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Pass the required FAA written knowledge exams
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Hold at least a 3rd class medical
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Hold at least a commercial pilot’s license or an ATP license
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Receive the required ground and flight training
Cost
There are no true CFI minimum requirements listed by the Federal Aviation Regulations. Cost of the courses can range anywhere from $2000 to $7500. The best way to keep the costs low is to combine the CFI course with your commercial training.