The certificated flight instructor (CFI) certificate qualifies a pilot to provide ground and flight instruction for hire -- the pilot's most available first job. The CFI is typically earned following completion of the commercial certificate and prepares a pilot to train private and commercial flight students. However, most schools hiring flight instructors require the CFII (certificated flight instructor-instrument) rating in addition to the CFI to be considered for employment.

Requirements Summary: 61.183

• 18 years of age;
• Read, speak, understand, and write English;
• Hold a commercial or airline transport pilot certificate (ATP) with an aircraft rating appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought;
• Hold an instrument rating, if the person is applying for an airplane or an instrument instructor rating;
• Receive a logbook endorsement from an instructor on the fundamentals of instructing listed in 61.185;
• Pass two knowledge tests (61.185a1, a2 and a3 2);
• Receive a logbook endorsement from a flight instructor on the areas of operation listed in 61.187b;
• Pass an oral and practical test;
• Receive a logbook endorsement from an instructor stating that the applicant is competent and possesses instruction proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins and spin recovery after providing instruction in those areas;
• Demonstrate instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins and spin recovery. (not necessarily in the airplane);
• Log at least 15 hours PIC in the category and class of aircraft appropriate to the rating sought.