Can a CFI teach CFI? No, a CFI cannot provide training on a basic initial CFI certificate. To provide instrument training, the CFI must be qualified as an “instrument” instructor. Then a CFI can legally do one knowledge check, which counts as the required ground training.
Duration and Challenges of CFI Training
How long is CFI training? Dedicated students can complete training in 6 weeks.
The pass rate for initial CFI is low, only 18% in one area. Reasons for the low pass rate include that CFI students must know private and commercial pilot information, often long forgotten.
Although a personalized program is less efficient, it can be designed based on your availability. A recruiter can provide a customized estimate of duration and cost.
The Path to CFI Certification
Before pursuing CFI, requirements include:
- 250 hours total time (or 190 Part 141)
- Commercial certificate with instrument rating
CFI checkride applicants in multi-engine planes need stall and spin training with logbook endorsement.
Additional Instructor Certifications and Preparing for the Exam
Instrument Ground Instructor and Multi-Engine Instructor certificates allow CFIs to teach beyond initial limitations. Some CFIs pursue Airline Transport Pilot, the highest certification.
How to study for CFI initial? FAA just eliminated complex aircraft requirement for commercial and CFI checkrides. The CFI checkride oral portion lasts around 6 hours, with the flight portion lasting 1.5-2 hours. Recommended study materials include FAA handbooks and reference materials, and practicing teaching anyone who will listen while preparing.
For memory retention, Anki spaced repetition software and the Mnemosyne project can be useful. It’s recommended to obtain private, commercial, CFI PTS, and reference FAA publications.