Certified Flight Instructor

(CFI)

Teach Others to Fly

The CFI certificate is the most efficient way to build flight hours while earning a paycheck. It's also one of aviation's most rewarding roles, and every airline pilot you've ever flown with likely started here.

PREREQUISITE

Commercial

Or ATP certificate

KNOWLEDGE TEST

FOI + FIA

Both required

NO MIN HOURS

Endorsement

After passing checkride

MINIMUM AGE

18

Required for graduation

What Training Looks Like

CFI training is as much about communication as it is about flying. Here’s how we build both from the ground up.

FUNDAMENTALS OF INSTRUCTION

Teaching isn’t just flying well, it’s understanding how people learn. You’ll study adult learning theory, effective communication, and how to identify and correct student errors before they become habits.

AERONAUTICAL KNOWLEDGE MASTERY

As a CFI, you must know the ‘why’ behind every maneuver and regulation. You’ll review everything from private through commercial, now with the depth required to explain it clearly to someone learning for the first time.

TEACHING FROM THE RIGHT SEAT

Flying from the right seat changes everything. You’ll practice demonstrating maneuvers, providing clear verbal instruction, and maintaining situational awareness while your student is at the controls.

LESSON PLANNING & STAGE CHECKS

Build lesson plans that meet FAA syllabus requirements. You’ll learn to evaluate student progress, conduct stage checks, and maintain the logbook endorsements and records that protect you and your students.

SCENARIO-BASED INSTRUCTION

Real-world scenarios push students to make decisions under pressure. You’ll learn to design and debrief scenarios that develop judgment, not just stick-and-rudder skill.

CHECKRIDE PREP & PRACTICAL TEST

Two knowledge tests (FOI and FIA), followed by a practical test covering all required areas of operation. Your instructor will walk you through every element before the DPE does.

Start Now

FAA REQUIREMENTS

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

You’ll need a Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Instrument Rating before starting. The remaining requirements are completed during your training program.

AGE

Must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Flight Instructor Certificate.

CERTIFICATES & RATINGS

Must hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate (or ATP) with an Instrument Rating.

FLIGHT EXPERIENCE

Must have logged at least 250 hours total flight time with specific PIC and cross-country requirements.

KNOWLEDGE TEST

Must pass both the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) and Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA) written exams.

MEDICAL CERTIFICATE

Must hold at least a Third Class Medical Certificate (or BasicMed).

HOURLY REQUIREMENTS

WHAT YOU’LL NEED BEFORE STARTING

CFI training builds on the flying skills you already have. There are no additional minimum flight hours beyond those below, training focuses on teaching skills.

FAA REQUIREMENTS

  • 250 hours total flight time

  • 100 hours as Pilot in Command in powered aircraft

  • 50 hours cross-country flight time as Pilot in Command

  • 15 hours of instrument flight time

  • Pass the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) written exam

  • Pass the Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA) written exam

  • Demonstrate proficiency in all private and commercial maneuvers at checkride

Ready to Get Started?

There’s no better time to begin than right now. Take the next step, and we’ll walk you through everything and have you in the air before you know it.

ENROLL NOW!

Our Locations

We operate out of two airports in the Mid-Atlantic region.

 

Frederick Municipal Airport - KFDK

330 Aviation Way C, Frederick, MD 21701

 

Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport - KMRB

214 Aviation Way, Martinsburg, WV 25405