On average, becoming a CFI takes four months on the Accelerated path and six months on the Standard path. This assumes completion of all three CFI ratings: CFI, CFII, and MEI. A CFI is authorized to train, endorse, sign-off, check, and examine student pilots. CFIIs teach pilots instrument flying. Many pilots become CFIs/CFIIs to build experience.
Sierra Charlie Aviation’s CFI course develops decision-making skills and incorporates real-world scenarios. We offer five accelerated programs for quick completion. The course consists of about 50 hours ground school and 10-12 flight hours. CFI training teaches aviation concepts clearly on the ground and in flight. Students dedicated to the CFI course can complete it in 6 weeks. Part-time students take 12 weeks based on 3 activities per week. However, durations are estimates. Chat with Epic about your training needs.
A CFI candidate must:
- be 18+
- hold an appropriate license
- have a Class 1 medical
- pass an oral exam
- have logged at least 250 hours (or 190 hours Part 141) total time
- hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate or ATP (ASEL or AMEL) with Instrument Rating
A CFI may conduct 8 flight hours in 24 consecutive hours. The hardest certificate to get is CFI. Stats back up some of the fear of failure. Fees for initial CFI tests range from $551-$1,050.
Income for a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) generally ranges from $30,000 to $60,000 per year ($15 to $30 per hour). The greatest factor in compensation is hours flown.
A CFI certificate is valid for 24 calendar months.
To become an airline pilot, it takes two years to gain the required 1,500 hours flight time.
Sierra Charlie Aviation is an approved Cessna Pilot Center. We use brand new Cessna 172 Skyhawks that are G1000 equipped and coupled with GFC700 autopilot. The structure of our training provides flexibility.
Flight training for an initial CFI applicant must be performed by an instructor with 2 years/200 hours experience.