Certifies Flight Instructor Certification

Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is one of the most rewarding steps in a pilot’s journey. As a CFI, you’ll share your passion for aviation by teaching others, while also building valuable flight time toward advanced ratings and professional careers. At Atlas Aviation in Tampa, we provide comprehensive CFI training designed to sharpen your flying skills and prepare you to teach the next generation of pilots.

Prerequisites

To begin training for a CFI certificate, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.

  • Hold at least a Commercial Pilot Certificate (or ATP).

  • Hold a current 2nd Class FAA Medical Certificate (3rd Class accepted if not flying for hire).

  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.

Training Hours

Unlike earlier certificates, the FAA does not mandate a minimum number of flight hours for CFI training. Instead, requirements focus on proficiency:

  • Flight proficiency – Ability to demonstrate all maneuvers to commercial standards while teaching from the right seat.

  • Ground proficiency – Ability to teach regulations, aerodynamics, navigation, weather, systems, and flight planning.

  • Spin endorsement – Demonstrate and recover from spins before checkride eligibility.

👉 Average training time: Most candidates complete 10–20 hours of dual instruction plus extensive ground prep before checkride readiness.

Costs

CFI training costs vary depending on your prior experience and proficiency:

  • Aircraft rental (Cessna 172 or similar): $XXX/hour wet

  • Instructor time: $XXX/hour

  • Ground instruction: $XXX/hour

  • Books, lesson plans, and study materials: approx. $300–$400

  • FAA written exams (2 required): $175 each

  • FAA checkride fee: $700–$1,000 (paid to examiner)

👉 Estimated total cost: $6,000 – $9,000, depending on preparation and training efficiency.

Examinations

To earn your CFI certificate, you must pass:

  1. FAA Written Exams

    • Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) – Covers learning theory, teaching methods, and student evaluation.

    • Flight Instructor Knowledge Test – Focuses on regulations, maneuvers, and teaching techniques.

  2. Practical Test (Checkride) with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)

    • Oral exam: 4–6 hours covering lesson plans, regulations, and teaching demonstrations.

    • Flight test: 1.5–2 hours from the right seat, demonstrating commercial-level maneuvers while simultaneously teaching them.

Benefits of Becoming a CFI

  • Build Flight Hours – Earn income while accumulating flight time toward the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) minimums.

  • Launch an Aviation Career – Most professional pilots begin their careers as instructors.

  • Mastery Through Teaching – Teaching others sharpens your own knowledge and flying skills.

  • Flexibility & Opportunities – Work full-time, part-time, or freelance as an instructor.

  • Give Back to Aviation – Inspire and mentor new pilots, leaving a lasting impact on aviation’s future.