Certified Flight Instructor
There are many reasons why pilots choose to become a CFI, with the most common reason being to gain experience and build flight time. Most jobs in aviation, especially commercial airline pilot jobs, require a certain amount of flight time to be eligible. Many candidates opt to teach flight training to students due to the fast-paced environment and the opportunity for steady gains in flight time hours. By teaching students how to safely and effectively operate aircraft, flight instructing also reinforces the knowledge you gained during your own flight training. Over time, flight instructors become very knowledgeable, skillfully polished pilots that are also privileged to train and endorse other pilots to take FAA practical tests.
Requirements
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Be 18 years of age
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Read, speak, write and understand the English language
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Hold either a commercial pilot certificate or airline transport pilot certificate and an instrument rating
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Have logged at least 250 hours of flight time
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Hold a valid FAA 3rd Class Medical Cerificate (or higher)
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Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor on the fundamentals of instructing
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Pass a knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought
Reference 14 CFR §61.183 for the entire list of eligibility requirements.
