Become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI & CFII)

What is a Flight Instructor Certificate?

Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) allows you to teach and train new pilots while gaining valuable flight experience. A Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) allows you to teach instrument students and provide instrument proficiency checks.

Many pilots become flight instructors to:
✅ Build flight hours towards an airline career
✅ Improve their own flying skills through teaching
✅ Earn income while gaining valuable experience

Requirements to Become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) (FAR 61.183 & 61.185)

To become a CFI, you must meet the following FAA requirements:

1. Basic Eligibility Requirements

✅ Be at least 18 years old
✅ Hold a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate
✅ Hold a valid FAA medical certificate
✅ Pass two FAA knowledge exams:

• Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)

• Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)
  ✅ Receive flight and ground training from an authorized instructor
  ✅ Log at least 15 hours of PIC time in the category/class of aircraft for the instructor certificate
  ✅ Pass the FAA Flight Instructor Practical Test (Checkride)

Flight Experience Requirements for CFI (FAR 61.187)

The FAA requires:
🛩️ Spin training and an endorsement from an instructor
🛩️ A CFI checkride that includes:

• Preflight preparation and teaching techniques

• Fundamentals of instruction

• Demonstrating and explaining maneuvers to an examiner

• Emergency procedures and situational awareness

Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) (FAR 61.183 & 61.187)

If you want to teach instrument students, you must earn a CFII by meeting these additional requirements:

1. CFII Eligibility Requirements

✅ Hold a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with an Instrument Rating
✅ Hold a valid FAA medical certificate
✅ Pass the Flight Instructor Instrument (FII) Knowledge Exam
✅ Receive instrument flight and ground training from an authorized instructor
✅ Pass the FAA CFII Practical Test (Checkride)

Why Become a CFI or CFII?

✅ Build Flight Hours – Flight instructors log pilot-in-command (PIC) time while teaching
✅ Earn While You Fly – Get paid for instructing students
✅ Develop Advanced Skills – Teaching reinforces your own knowledge and flying ability
✅ Qualify for Airline Jobs Faster – Many airlines prefer candidates with CFI experience

Additional Requirements for International Students

If you are an international student, you must meet additional requirements before beginning training:

1. TSA Flight Training Security Program (FTSP)

Before starting training, you must:
✈️ Apply for flight training approval through the TSA’s FTSP website
✈️ Select your flight school and submit fingerprints
✈️ Pay the TSA application fee and wait for approval

2. M-1 or F-1 Student Visa

If you are traveling to the U.S. for training, you may need:
📌 An M-1 visa for vocational flight training
📌 An F-1 visa if your flight school offers programs that allow for work opportunities after training