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 Flight InstructorFlying may be the second greatest thrill on earth, but teaching is the first. There is an intense satisfaction that comes from watching your student solo, or hearing that your student
passed his/her checkride, that you just can't get anywhere else. As a pilot, you'll never learn more than when you're teaching someone else. As an instructor, there is no field more challenging and unforgiving than aviation.
Types of Flight Instructors There are, essentially, three types of airplane flight instructors. Single Engine, Multi-Engine and Instrument. (Yes, you
can get all three certificates). The priviledges of these instructors are, for all intents and purposes, as follows:
Single Engine (CFI).
A single engine flight instructor is authroized to teach in single-engine airplanes, including instruction for Recreational, Private, Commercial and Single Engine Flight Instructor ratings. A single
engine flight instructor can also provide the required instruction for a biennial flight review, a WINGS stage, a complex endorsement, etc. Multi Engine (MEI).
A multi-engine flight instructor is authroized to do, essentially, the same things as a Single Engine flight instructor, but in Multi-Engine airplanes.Instrument (CFII). An instrument instructor is authrorized to give instruction in persuit of a Instrument Rating, an
Instrument Flight Instructor rating or an Instrument Proficiency check.
The Initial Instructor Ride There are certain checkrides that, in aviation, have a reputation, and the initial CFI ride is one of them. This is
because the initial CFI ride (your very first instructor checkride) will probably be done by the FAA, and the FAA is very serious about ensuring that only the truly qualified becoming flight instructors.
The secrets to doing well on this checkride are rather simple, if labor intensive:
- Be prepared:
For both the oral and practical sections of this checkride, take the time and ensure that you are completely ready. While you are hopefully doing this before all of your checkrides, remember that there is a
higher standard on this one.
- Be relaxed:
While aviation is full of stories about the "mean spirited people at the FAA", the truth is the overwhelming majority of them are professionals who just want to make aviation safe. They're not trying to fail
you. (Of course, they're not trying to pass you either.) When you walk in the door at the FSDO, you've already either passed or failed the checkride. They're just grading your test.
Maintaining your Instructor Rating Unlike your pilot certificate, your instructor certificate expires every 24 calendar months. To keep it, you will need to
renew it. There are four ways to renew your instructor certificate:
- Experience: If, during the past 24 months, you have made at least five endorsements for new ratings (Private, Commercial, Instrument, etc.) and at least 80% of them have passed on the first try, you can apply to have your
rating renewed. You will need to use the FAA's 8710 form. (Call your local FSDO for more information.)
- Additional Rating: If you take a checkride, and obtain a new Flight Instructor rating (for example, if a CFI get's her CFII rating), the clock restarts.
- Approved Training: There are a number of classroom and online CFI refresher seminars that you can take. Successfully completing these seminars will result in your Flight Instructor Rating being renewed.
- A Checkride: If all else fails, you can also retake one of your CFI checkrides. Pass the checkride, and your instructor ratings are renewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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