How to Become a Flight Instructor (CFI): Requirements and Steps
Quick answer: you need to be at least 18, hold a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating (for airplanes), pass the Fundamentals of Instructing and Flight Instructor knowledge tests, get a spin training endorsement, and pass a CFI practical test.
Steps
- Earn your private, instrument and commercial certificates.
- Pass the FOI (Fundamentals of Instructing) knowledge test.
- Pass the Flight Instructor Airplane knowledge test.
- Train with a CFI instructor, including teaching maneuvers "from the right seat."
- Get the required spin-awareness/spin training endorsement.
- Pass the CFI practical test, widely considered one of the hardest checkrides.
Why so many pilots become CFIs
- You get paid to build hours toward the airline minimums.
- Teaching makes you a much better pilot.
- Many airlines have pathway programs with flight schools that hire CFIs.