Aviation Training Consultants: 800-874-5346
Aviation Training Consultants: 800-874-5346
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Shape the Future of Aviation: Become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

Shape the Future of Aviation: Become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

A flight instructor teaches candidates aviation knowledge and regulations, demonstrates procedures by utilizing a flight simulator, conducts training in the air to ensure proficiency, and provides candidates with endorsements to sit for the required tests. A flight instructor certificate is valid for 2 years and allows a commercial pilot to provide initial instruction and recurrent training to pilots. If you are going to take the flight instructor knowledge test, consider taking the advanced ground instructor knowledge test to be eligible for a Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificate after passing 80% of candidates on their first try. Both knowledge tests have the same number of questions and cover most of the same material. An advanced ground instructor certificate does not expire and allows you to provide ground instruction and knowledge test endorsements.

Is the Flight Instructor Certificate Right for Me?

Becoming a flight instructor is guaranteed to make you a better pilot. A flight instructor is expected to be an expert in aviation knowledge and competent in teaching while being in control of an aircraft. Passionate flight instructors will find enlightenment by successfully educating candidates to safely achieve their dreams of becoming a pilot. Additionally, if your goal is to eventually fly larger aircraft, becoming a flight instructor will get you the minimum hours required to be eligible. Your flight instructor certificate will need to be renewed every 2 years, and this can be accomplished by completing the Gleim Flight Instructor Refresher Course. If a flight instructor is unable to maintain their medical certificate, they may still conduct flight training as PIC without one, under the provisions of BasicMed.

Achieving a flight instructor certificate is an excellent opportunity for you to improve your knowledge and flying skills. Teaching aviation to others will challenge your grasp of procedures and concepts while inspiring candidates to be the safe and competent pilots they are destined to be. If you would like to become a flight instructor, Gleim will get you there with our comprehensive CFI training materials below.

Am I Eligible to Become a Certified Flight Instructor?

In order to qualify for the flight instructor certificate, pilots must:

number one
Be at least 18 years of age
number two
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
number three
Hold a commercial pilot certificate or airline transport pilot certificate and have an instrument rating
number four
Pass the Flight Instructor Knowledge Test (FIA) and the Fundamentals of Instructing Knowledge Test (FOI)
number five
Accumulate the appropriate number of instruction hours and receive the required endorsements from a CFI
number six
Pass the required practical test for the flight instructor rating

Training Solutions

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Fast track becoming a flight instructor by passing the FAA knowledge test prior to completing your flight training. Gleim offers a variety of flight instructor training materials including all-inclusive pilot kits, online courses, and books.

Flight/Ground Instructor Kits

Flight/Ground Instructor Books

Experience the Gleim difference yourself.
Try Our Flight/Ground Instructor Online Courses