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.
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.
In order to qualify for the flight instructor certificate, pilots must:
A: The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate allows you to teach others how to fly and log flight instruction time while getting paid to build hours. It’s one of the most rewarding and essential steps in a professional pilot’s career — turning your experience into mentorship and mastery.
A: Becoming a CFI is an excellent way to build flight hours, refine your knowledge, and develop leadership and communication skills that make you a stronger, more professional pilot. Most pilots also use CFI experience as a stepping stone toward airline, corporate, or charter careers.
A: Plane Life offers:
CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) – teaches Private and Commercial students.
CFII (Instrument Instructor) – teaches Instrument Rating students.
MEI (Multi-Engine Instructor) – teaches in multi-engine aircraft.
Each certificate builds on your experience and expands your instructional authority.
A: You must:
Be at least 18 years old
Hold a Commercial Pilot License or ATP
Hold at least a Second-Class Medical Certificate
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
Pass two FAA knowledge exams:
Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI)
Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)
Pass a practical test (checkride) with an FAA examiner
A: Yes. You must hold an Instrument Rating on your Commercial certificate to instruct students working toward an Instrument Rating or to teach under IFR conditions.
A: CFI training focuses on teaching you how to teach. You’ll learn:
Fundamentals of flight instruction and learning psychology
Lesson planning and ground instruction techniques
In-depth review of aerodynamics, systems, and regulations
Spin awareness and recovery techniques
FAA training standards and logbook endorsements
Scenario-based instructional methods
A: CFI training demands a deeper level of understanding. You’ll learn to explain and demonstrate concepts clearly, answer detailed FAA-level questions, and evaluate students. It’s more about teaching mastery than just flying proficiency.
A: On average, most students complete the program in 6–10 weeks, depending on prior experience, study habits, and training frequency.
A: Typical costs range from $8,000 to $12,000, depending on the type of aircraft used and prior preparation. This includes ground instruction, flight time, and pre-checkride evaluation.
A:
CFII (Instrument Instructor) training typically costs $6,000–$8,000.
MEI (Multi-Engine Instructor) training averages $5,000–$7,000 depending on aircraft type.
Plane Life offers package discounts for combined CFI/CFII or full instructor pathways.
A: Yes. We provide flexible payment options, allowing students to pay as they train or finance through partnered aviation lenders.
A: You must pass:
Two FAA Knowledge Tests:
FOI (Fundamentals of Instruction)
FIA (Flight Instructor Airplane)
FAA Practical Test (Checkride) – includes oral, teaching demonstration, and flight evaluation.
A: The CFI checkride is one of the most comprehensive FAA evaluations — but Plane Life’s training ensures you’ll be thoroughly prepared. You’ll complete mock orals, practice teaching sessions, and scenario-based evaluations to build confidence and skill.
A: A local FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) or FAA inspector will conduct the exam. Your instructor will coordinate scheduling once you’re fully ready.
A: As a CFI, you can:
Instruct Private, Instrument, and Commercial students
Build flight hours while being paid
Gain valuable experience in leadership and safety
Transition to airlines, corporate, or charter operations
Pursue advanced teaching roles in aviation education or safety
A: Yes. Plane Life offers CFI placement opportunities for top-performing graduates who demonstrate strong teaching and professionalism. Becoming an instructor with us allows you to continue building experience while mentoring the next generation of pilots.
A: Active CFIs typically log 600–800 flight hours per year, depending on student volume and scheduling. It’s one of the fastest, most reliable ways to build hours toward ATP minimums (1,500 hours).
A: Yes. Plane Life offers flexible Part 61 instruction, allowing you to train around work or school schedules. We also provide accelerated full-time options for motivated candidates.
A: Plane Life provides fully maintained training aircraft suitable for CFI, CFII, and MEI training — or you can train in your own aircraft if approved and insured.
A: Training is led by Christian Childs (CFI, CFII, MEI), an Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University graduate with over 10 years of instructional experience and thousands of hours training students from private through jet transition levels.
A: Plane Life offers an individualized, mentorship-driven approach to instructor certification. Our goal is not only to help you earn your certificate but to shape you into an effective, confident, and employable educator. You’ll learn how to communicate complex concepts, manage real-world students, and teach with purpose.
Empower others to fly while perfecting your own skills.
Plane Life. Learn. Teach. Inspire.
