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.
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.
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

