Certified Flight Instructor
Turn your flight training into a career. Become a CFI and build valuable flight time, share your passion for aviation, and take the next step toward the airlines.
CFI
Flight Instructor Certificate
CFII
Instrument Instructor Add-On
MEI
Multi-Engine Instructor Add-On
CPL
Required Prerequisite
CFI / CFII Overview
Build Hours. Build Careers. Build the Next Generation.
The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate is one of the most effective ways for a commercial pilot to build flight time quickly while earning a paycheck. Everything you learned during your own training becomes the foundation for teaching the next generation of pilots.
At Tradewind, we offer three instructor ratings for the ambitious pilot. The CFI authorizes you to provide flight instruction to student pilots pursuing their Private Pilot Certificate. The CFII (Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument) adds the ability to train pilots working toward their Instrument Rating. The MEI (Multi-Engine Instructor) authorizes you to instruct in multi-engine aircraft.
Teaching is one of the best ways to master a skill. As a CFI at Tradewind, you will deepen your own knowledge, refine your stick-and-rudder skills, and accumulate the flight hours needed to qualify for regional airline hiring minimums.
FAA Requirements
- Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with the appropriate category and class rating
- Hold a current FAA medical certificate (at least 3rd class)
- Log at least 15 hours as PIC in the aircraft category for the rating sought
- Pass the FAA Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) written knowledge test
- Pass the FAA Flight Instructor written knowledge test for the rating sought
- Pass the FAA practical test (checkride) with a DPE
Curriculum
What You'll Learn
Fundamentals of Instruction
Master the science of teaching — learning theory, human behavior, effective communication, and how to assess and develop student pilots at every stage.
Technical Subject Areas
Deepen your knowledge of aerodynamics, aircraft systems, weather, regulations, and flight planning to the level required to teach and evaluate others.
Flight Instructor Techniques
Learn how to demonstrate maneuvers from the right seat, provide effective critiques, recognize and correct common student errors, and manage risk in dual instruction.
CFII & MEI Add-Ons
Extend your instructor privileges with the Instrument Instructor (CFII) and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) add-on ratings to maximize your instructing opportunities and earning potential.
Your Path to the Certificate
How Training Works
Ground School
Study the Fundamentals of Instructing, technical subject areas, and lesson planning. Prepare for both FAA written knowledge tests.
Right-Seat Transition
Transition to flying from the right seat — learning to demonstrate maneuvers, manage the controls, and maintain situational awareness while instructing.
Maneuver Instruction Practice
Practice teaching every required maneuver and procedure, developing your ability to explain, demonstrate, and correct errors in real time.
Lesson Planning & Critiques
Build a library of lesson plans and practice delivering structured ground and flight lessons with detailed post-flight critiques.
Checkride Preparation
Refine all required tasks and oral knowledge with your instructor until you consistently meet or exceed the FAA Airman Certification Standards.
FAA Checkride
Complete an oral exam and practical flight test with a Designated Pilot Examiner. Pass and you hold your FAA Flight Instructor Certificate.
Ready to Become a Flight Instructor?
Talk to our team about starting your CFI training at Tradewind. We will build a plan around your current certificates and career timeline.