Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Develop the teaching skills to pass your knowledge on. Learn how to instruct effectively in the cockpit and the classroom while sharpening your own flying abilities.
ABOUT THIS CERTIFICATE
Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor is one of the most transformative phases in a pilot's career. Teaching others to fly forces you to deeply understand every maneuver, regulation, and aerodynamic principle — making you a significantly better pilot in the process.
Our 6-week CFI program covers the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI), spin endorsement training, lesson planning, student evaluation techniques, and the teaching methodologies that produce great instructors. You'll learn to communicate complex concepts clearly and manage students at every skill level.
Most importantly, becoming a CFI opens the most common pathway to building the 1,500 hours required for airline hiring. Many of our graduates instruct right here at Venture West Aviation, earning a salary while building hours toward their ATP minimums.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
- Fundamentals of instruction (FOI)
- Spin endorsement & recovery training
- Lesson planning & student evaluation
- Right-seat flying proficiency
- Teaching from the cockpit & classroom
- Build hours toward 1,500 ATP minimums
ESTIMATED HOURS
PREREQUISITES & FAA REQUIREMENTS
PREREQUISITES
- Commercial Pilot Certificate
- Instrument Rating
- FAA Class 1, 2, or 3 medical certificate
- Must be at least 18 years old
FAA REQUIREMENTS
- 250 hours total flight time
- 15 hours as PIC in the category/class of aircraft for the rating
- FAA Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) Knowledge Test
- FAA Flight Instructor Airplane Knowledge Test
- Spin training endorsement
- Practical Test (checkride) with DPE
TRAINING INCLUDES
INVESTMENT
Prices are estimates and may vary based on individual progress.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes. Many flight schools, including Venture West Aviation, hire newly certified CFIs. Instructing is the most common way pilots build the 1,500 hours required for airline transport pilot minimums.
CFI salaries vary by location and school. Flight instructors typically earn while building the hours needed for airline hiring, making it both a career-building and income-generating position.
The CFI certificate requires mastery of teaching methodology (FOI), FAA regulations, aerodynamics, and the ability to explain complex concepts simply. The 80 hours of ground training ensures you're fully prepared to teach in both the classroom and the cockpit.
START YOUR CFI TRAINING
Take the next step in your aviation career. Contact us to discuss your training goals, schedule a tour of our facilities at Falcon Field, and learn how we can help you earn your certified flight instructor (cfi).