Certified Flight Instructor — Single Engine
Learn to teach with confidence, mentor new aviators, and build the skills to become an exceptional flight instructor.
DISCUSS CFI TRAININGLearn to Fly. Learn to Teach. Learn to Lead.
For many aspiring professional pilots, becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is one of the most effective ways to build meaningful flight experience while preparing for careers in corporate aviation, charter flying, or the airlines.
Our CFI Single-Engine course goes beyond the knowledge and flight skills required to earn the certificate. You will be mentored in how to teach, communicate, evaluate performance, and support students through their first lessons and milestones. The goal is to help you approach your first students with confidence, competence, professionalism, and a safety-focused mindset.
Eligibility & Minimum Requirements
Eligibility
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English, subject to applicable FAA exceptions.
- Hold at least a commercial pilot certificate or ATP certificate with the appropriate aircraft category and class ratings.
- For the airplane instructor rating, hold an instrument rating on the pilot certificate (or the qualifying privileges specified by regulation).
- Complete the required training, endorsements, knowledge tests, and practical test.
A third-class medical is not a blanket prerequisite to hold a flight instructor certificate. Medical qualification depends on the role you perform in flight, including whether you act as PIC or a required crewmember. We will review your specific training and checkride situation.
Required Training & Testing
- Receive and log appropriate fundamentals of instructing and aeronautical knowledge training.
- Complete flight instructor flight proficiency training for the airplane single-engine rating, including demonstration and teaching of maneuvers from the applicable FAA ACS.
- Receive spin awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery training and the required instructor endorsement for an initial airplane flight instructor applicant, unless a regulatory exception applies.
- Pass the applicable Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) and Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA) knowledge tests, unless exempt from a particular test.
- Pass the FAA practical test with an authorized examiner.
There is no single FAA minimum total flight-hour requirement for the initial CFI course. Practical-test preparation and endorsements are governed by the applicable regulations; the commonly cited three-hour checkride-preparation rule should not be presented as a universal standalone CFI course minimum.
FAA sources: 14 CFR § 61.183, § 61.185, § 61.187, and § 61.23. Individual circumstances and current FAA guidance govern.
CFI Single-Engine Training Syllabus
01 · Instructor Mindset & FOI
Learning theory, student motivation, communication, human behavior, risk management, instructor responsibilities, and the fundamentals of teaching effectively.
02 · Lesson Plans & Ground Instruction
Develop organized lesson plans, teach technical subjects, lead briefings, answer student questions, and practice explaining complex concepts in approachable language.
03 · Right-Seat Proficiency
Develop aircraft control and situational awareness from the instructor position while demonstrating maneuvers and communicating clearly throughout each lesson.
04 · Teaching Flight Maneuvers
Teach normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures; demonstrate ACS maneuvers; identify student errors; and practice safe, timely intervention.
05 · Spins, Safety & Student Scenarios
Complete applicable spin training and endorsement, practice risk-based instructional decisions, and work through realistic scenarios involving student proficiency and judgment.
06 · Mock Lessons & Practical Test
Conduct simulated student lessons, practice oral teaching presentations, refine flight demonstrations, and complete individualized checkride preparation.
CFI Training Cost Estimates
CFI training is proficiency-based. These are illustrative scenarios—not FAA-required hours, fixed-price packages, or guarantees. They assume all flight hours are dual with an instructor, plus separate ground instruction.
| Aircraft (wet) | 15 flight + 20 ground hours | 25 flight + 30 ground hours |
|---|---|---|
| Cessna 150 · $130/hr | $3,925 | $6,375 |
| Cessna 152 · $155/hr | $4,300 | $7,000 |
| Cessna 172 · $185/hr | $4,750 | $7,750 |
| Cessna 182 · $235/hr | $5,500 | $9,000 |
Calculated using aircraft rental plus $65/hour flight instruction and $50/hour ground instruction. Estimates exclude spin-training aircraft/instructor surcharges if applicable, knowledge-test and examiner fees, supplies, and any additional training. Aircraft availability and suitability for instructor training must be confirmed.
Graduate Ready to Teach
Passing the CFI practical test is an important milestone. Our larger objective is to prepare you to deliver thoughtful, structured instruction, recognize and correct student errors, manage risk, and model the professionalism you want your students to develop.
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