The Path to Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Every lesson prepares you not just to fly, but to inspire and guide the next generation of aviators
Program Start & Logbook Review
Meet with your instructor, review prior training, and align your program goals. Your logbook is evaluated to confirm eligibility and experience requirements.
Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI)
Develop the skills to teach: learning theory, communication techniques, and instructional methods. These fundamentals are tested on the FAA Knowledge Exam and applied in every lesson.
Ground Instruction Techniques
Learn to prepare and deliver effective ground lessons, briefings, and scenario-based training for student pilots.
Flight Instructor Maneuvers
Refine and demonstrate mastery of commercial-level maneuvers, stalls, slow flight, and emergency procedures, while teaching them from the right seat.
CFII Integration
For Certified Flight Instructor Instruments (CFII) candidates, training includes IFR-specific instruction techniques: holding patterns, approaches, enroute procedures, and teaching risk management in IMC.
Checkride Preparation
Run mock lessons, review FOI topics, and demonstrate instructional skill in both ground and flight environments to prepare for the FAA practical test.
Train in Technically Advanced Aircraft
Estimated costs are based on Commercial Pilot License (CPL) holders pursuing their initial flight instructor certification. Actual totals vary by aircraft selection, fuel prices, and individual proficiency.
Students can train across multiple aircraft—using the Cherokee, Archer, or Cirrus—to balance cost, comfort, and advanced avionics experience while preparing to teach effectively in real-world environments.
Piper Cherokee
Piper Archer
Cirrus SR20
The Aspire Aviation Difference
Aspire’s FAA-approved simulators replicate the Garmin G1000 NXi and Cirrus Perspective cockpits in our fleet, allowing CFI and CFII candidates to practice instruction, scenarios, and IFR teaching at reduced cost.
Combined with mentorship from experienced instructors, our program ensures you graduate with not only the certificate but also the confidence to teach effectively and build hours toward your next career milestone.
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Prerequisites
- Certificate – Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Instrument Rating (for CFII).
- Age – At least 18 years old.
- Medical Certificate – Hold at least an FAA 2nd Class Medical.
- Knowledge Tests – Pass the FAA Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) and Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA) knowledge exams (plus the Instrument Flight Instructor Airplane (FII) exam for CFII).
- Flight Experience – Must meet commercial-level aeronautical experience requirements, including proficiency in teaching stalls, spins, and advanced maneuvers from the right seat.
- Practical Test – Successfully complete the CFI or CFII checkride (oral + flight) with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).
What Can a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Do?
Instruction opens doors to paid flying, hour building, and leadership in aviation
Launch Your Aviation Career
Work as a flight instructor, one of the most common and effective ways to build hours toward ATP minimums.
Get Paid to Teach Flying
Turn your passion for aviation into a paid professional role, training new students from their first flight through advanced ratings.
Build Hours Efficiently
Log valuable PIC time while instructing, helping you progress toward airline, charter, or corporate aviation goals.
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Program FAQ
CFI & CFII Program FAQ
Yes. An FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate is required before beginning CFI training.
How long does it take to earn a CFI or CFII certificate?
Most students complete their training in 2–4 months, depending on scheduling, lesson frequency, and exam readiness.
Is spin training required for the CFI?
Yes. CFI applicants must receive and log spin training from a qualified instructor. This is part of your commercial-level proficiency and required for checkride eligibility.
Do I need to pass the FOI exam?
Yes. Unless you hold a teaching certificate (such as a state teaching license), you’ll need to pass the FAA Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) written exam.
Can I start instructing right after passing my checkride?
Yes. Once you earn your CFI certificate, you can begin teaching students immediately under Part 61 or Part 141 schools.
What’s the difference between CFI and CFII?
CFI allows you to instruct private and commercial students. CFII authorizes you to train instrument students, teach IFR procedures, and endorse instrument checkride applicants.
Does CFI training make me a better pilot even if I don’t plan to teach long-term?
Absolutely. CFI training sharpens your understanding of aerodynamics, maneuvers, regulations, and decision-making. Many pilots consider it the most valuable training in their careers.
Where Pilots Become Leaders
Aspire’s CFI and CFII Programs are designed for commercial pilots ready to advance into the role of instructor. Training focuses on developing teaching skills, right-seat proficiency, and the ability to communicate effectively in the cockpit. With mentorship from experienced instructors and practice in our FAA-approved simulators, you will learn how to inspire new aviators while refining your own skills.
These programs prepare you to instruct private and instrument students, build valuable flight hours, and create a solid path toward ATP and professional opportunities.