Certified Flight Instructor
As you advance in your aviation career, earning a Flight Instructor Certificate can be a valuable step. Becoming a certificated flight instructor (CFI) allows you to quickly build flight hours and gain the experience needed to meet airline or corporate hiring requirements. It's a rewarding career that not only challenges you to apply everything you’ve learned during your flight training but also gives you the opportunity to inspire the next generation of pilots.
Flight instructors play a crucial role in the aviation community by serving as mentors and sharing their knowledge and skills with students. For many pilots, becoming a CFI is the first professional aviation job that pays, marking the beginning of a fulfilling career in the industry.
Why Should I Become a Certificated Flight Instructor?
Why Do Pilots Choose to Become a CFI?
There are many reasons why pilots decide to become a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI), with the most common being the opportunity to gain experience and build flight hours. Most aviation careers, especially commercial airline pilot positions, require a minimum amount of flight time. Teaching flight training provides a fast-paced environment where pilots can steadily accumulate the required flight hours.
Instructing students on how to safely and effectively operate aircraft not only accelerates the accumulation of flight time but also reinforces the skills and knowledge gained during the instructor's own flight training. Over time, CFIs become highly skilled and knowledgeable pilots who also have the privilege of training and endorsing students for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) practical exams.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Flight Instructor Certificate?
There is no fixed time requirement to become a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI). However, all aspiring flight instructors must first obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) to meet the eligibility criteria. Achieving a Commercial Pilot License requires a minimum of 250 flight hours, along with several sub-requirements that cover different aspects of flight training.
In reality, a pilot who aims to become a flight instructor is preparing for this role from the very beginning of their flight training journey. Each rating and certification earned along the way serves as a significant milestone that contributes to meeting the demands of becoming a CFI.
What Is the Salary of a Certificated Flight Instructor?
Within the field of flight instruction, there are various certifications that pilots can earn, each representing a different milestone in their career:
Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI): Qualified to instruct in single-engine aircraft, helping students learn the fundamentals of flying.
Certificated Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII): Specializes in teaching instrument flying, enabling students to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI): Certified to instruct in multi-engine aircraft, preparing students for more advanced flying experiences.
What Are the Different Types of Flight Instructor Certifications?
Flight instructor salaries vary based on location, the company, and the instructor's qualifications. While some companies offer yearly salaries, most CFIs are compensated on an hourly basis. Hourly pay rates can differ depending on the type of instruction provided. For instance, flights may earn a higher hourly rate compared to ground instruction or simulator (AATD) training.
According to major recruiting platforms, CFI pay ranges from $15 to $50 per hour, translating to annual salaries from $28,000 to over $65,000. To maximize earning potential, instructors should pursue advanced certifications and seek opportunities with a consistent flow of students.