Top 11 Flight Instructor Certifications

Certifications are important for a flight instructor in the job market because they demonstrate that the instructor has been trained to a professional standard and is qualified to teach others. Certification is also required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in order to be able to legally teach students how to fly. Employers will often look for certified instructors when hiring, as it shows that the instructor is reliable, knowledgeable, and experienced. Having a certification also gives an instructor credibility and can help them stand out from other applicants during the job search process.

This article reviews the top certifications for Flight Instructors and explains how they can help to advance a Flight Instructor's career.

What are Flight Instructor Certifications?

Flight Instructor Certification is a professional designation awarded to individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to teach others how to fly. Flight Instructors are highly trained professionals with an in-depth understanding of aviation theory and practice, as well as an aptitude for teaching.

The process of becoming a certified Flight Instructor involves completing a rigorous training program that encompasses both ground school and flight instruction. Ground school typically covers topics such as aerodynamics, navigation, aircraft systems, weather, air regulations, and more. Flight instruction focuses on developing the student's practical flying skills and ensuring they can safely operate the aircraft in all operational scenarios.

Once the required training is complete, successful candidates must pass the FAA written exam before being eligible for certification. Upon passing this exam, students may be issued an initial flight instructor certificate by their local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). This certificate allows them to provide flight instruction to students pursuing their pilot’s license.

The benefits of having a Flight Instructor Certification are numerous. Certified instructors are able to provide higher quality instruction than non-certified instructors due to their comprehensive understanding of aviation theory and practice. Additionally, certified instructors often have access to higher paying jobs in the industry due to their increased level of expertise. Finally, having a Flight Instructor Certification can open up many new opportunities for career advancement within the field of aviation education and beyond.

Pro Tip: When considering a flight instructor certification, make sure to check the qualifications of the school or instructor you are considering. Look for schools and instructors that have experience in providing quality instruction and who have a successful track record of helping students obtain their certifications.

Related: What does a Flight Instructor do?

Top 11 Flight Instructor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Flight Instructors today.

1. Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is a professional pilot who has been trained and certified to teach others how to fly airplanes. The CFI is responsible for providing instruction in all areas of aviation, including ground school, flight maneuvers, and instrument flying. The CFI must also be knowledgeable about aircraft systems and regulations.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to obtain a CFI certificate depending on the individual's prior experience and training. To get a CFI certificate, an individual must first have a commercial or private pilot license and then complete an FAA-approved course that includes both ground school instruction and flight training. After completing the course, the individual must pass written exams and practical tests administered by the FAA.

The cost of obtaining a CFI certificate varies depending on where you take the course, but it can range from $3,000-$10,000 or more. This cost includes tuition fees for ground school instruction as well as flight time with an instructor. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with books and supplies needed for the course.

2. Certified Instrument Flight Instructor (CFII)

A Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) is a type of professional pilot license that allows the holder to teach instrument flight training. CFII holders are authorized to provide instruction in the use of aircraft instruments and navigation systems, as well as other related topics such as airspace regulations and emergency procedures. The license requires a minimum of 250 hours of total flight experience, including 20 hours of instrument flight training and 10 hours with an instructor. Additionally, applicants must pass a written knowledge test and a practical checkride with an FAA-designated examiner.

The cost for obtaining a CFII can vary depending on the individual's experience level and the type of instruction they receive. Generally speaking, it will cost between $2,000-$4,000 for all required training materials and fees associated with taking the tests and checkride.

In order to obtain a CFII rating, applicants must first have their private pilot certificate or higher. After meeting this requirement, it typically takes between four to six weeks to complete all necessary requirements for the rating.

3. Multi-Engine Flight Instructor (MEI)

Multi-Engine Flight Instructor (MEI) is an advanced instructor rating that allows a pilot to teach in multi-engine aircraft. This rating requires the pilot to have a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Multi-Engine Ratings, as well as a Flight Instructor Certificate with Instrument Rating.

To obtain the MEI rating, a pilot must complete an FAA approved course of instruction which typically takes 10-15 hours of ground school and 10 hours of flight training. Ground school topics include multi-engine aircraft systems, performance and limitations, engine out operations, emergency procedures, and other related topics. The flight training portion consists of maneuvers such as takeoffs and landings, slow flight, stalls, steep turns, VOR tracking, simulated engine failures and more.

The cost of obtaining the MEI rating will vary depending on the type of aircraft used for training. Generally speaking it can range from $2,000 - $4,000 for the entire course.

4. Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI)

Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) is a type of FAA certificate that allows an instructor to teach ground courses in the areas of aerodynamics, aircraft systems, flight instruments and navigation. AGI certification is valid for two years and can be renewed by completing a renewal application and passing a written exam.

To obtain an AGI certificate, applicants must first hold at least a CFI or CFII certificate. They must also have logged at least 100 hours as a pilot-in-command in the category and class of aircraft they wish to instruct in. Additionally, applicants must pass both the Fundamentals of Instruction written exam and the Advanced Ground Instructor written exam.

The cost of obtaining an AGI certificate varies depending on where you take the exams and how much study material you purchase. Generally, you should expect to pay between $200-$400 for all associated costs including test fees, study materials, etc.

5. Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI)

Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) is a certification that allows the holder to teach instrument ground school courses. It is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The IGI certificate is valid for two years and must be renewed every two years.

The requirements for obtaining an IGI certificate include having a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating, having a current FAA medical certificate, and completing an approved FAA Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC). Additionally, applicants must have at least 500 hours of flight time as pilot-in-command and 250 hours of instrument instruction given.

The cost of obtaining an IGI certificate varies depending on the individual's experience and training needs. Generally, the cost can range from $1,000 to $2,500 or more. This includes the cost of the FIRC, which typically ranges from $200 to $400.

In order to obtain an IGI certificate, applicants must complete a written test as well as a practical test administered by a designated FAA examiner. The written test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. The practical test consists of teaching scenarios in which the applicant must demonstrate their ability to teach students effectively in accordance with FAA regulations. The practical test typically takes about one hour to complete.

6. Sport Pilot Flight Instructor (SPFI)

Sport Pilot Flight Instructor (SPFI) is a certification issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that allows an individual to teach sport pilot students. This certification requires a minimum of 15 hours of flight instruction and 10 hours of ground instruction. The SPFI must also pass an FAA written exam and a practical test.

The process for obtaining a Sport Pilot Flight Instructor rating typically takes approximately two to three months, depending on the individual’s availability and progress in their training. To begin, an individual must first obtain their Sport Pilot Certificate from the FAA. Once they have done this, they can then apply for their SPFI rating with the FAA.

In order to receive their Sport Pilot Flight Instructor rating, applicants must complete a minimum of 15 hours of flight instruction and 10 hours of ground instruction with an authorized instructor. They will also need to pass an FAA written exam as well as a practical test administered by an FAA inspector or designated pilot examiner. The cost for these exams varies depending on the location but typically range from $100-$200 each.

Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their SPFI rating from the FAA which is valid for two years. After two years, pilots must renew their SPFI rating by completing additional training and passing another practical test with an authorized instructor or examiner.

7. Glider Flight Instructor (GFI)

Glider Flight Instructor (GFI) is a certification that allows an individual to teach others how to fly a glider. The GFI rating is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). To obtain the GFI rating, an individual must have at least 200 hours of flight time in a glider, hold a commercial pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating, and pass a written and practical test. The written test covers topics such as aerodynamics, weather, navigation, regulations, and instruction techniques. The practical test consists of preflight preparation, flight maneuvers, emergency operations, and postflight procedures.

The process of obtaining the GFI rating typically takes several months depending on the applicant’s experience level and availability for testing. In order to receive the certification, applicants must complete an FAA approved ground school course and pass both the written and practical tests.

The cost of obtaining a GFI rating varies depending on the instructor providing instruction but typically ranges from $1,500-$2,500 USD. This cost includes ground school fees as well as any other administrative costs associated with obtaining the certification.

8. Helicopter Flight Instructor (HFI)

Helicopter Flight Instructor (HFI) is a certification that allows the holder to teach and train students in the operation of helicopters. The HFI certificate is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

It typically takes between six months to one year to obtain an HFI certification, depending on the individual's experience level and background. To become an HFI, applicants must first have a private pilot’s license with a helicopter rating, as well as a minimum of 200 hours of flight time in helicopters. Additionally, applicants must pass written exams covering topics such as airmanship, aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation, and regulations.

The cost of obtaining an HFI certification varies depending on the applicant's location and instructor availability. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 for the entire process. This includes costs associated with ground school instruction, flight training hours and FAA exam fees.

9. Seaplane Flight Instructor (SEPI)

Seaplane Flight Instructor (SEPI) is a certification issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that allows an individual to teach seaplane operations. To become a SEPI, an individual must have at least 250 hours of total flight time, including 50 hours in seaplanes and 20 hours of instruction given in seaplanes. The individual must also pass written and practical tests administered by the FAA.

The process of obtaining a SEPI can take several weeks or months depending on the individual's background and experience. The first step is to complete the required training courses, which can be done through an approved flight school or self-study. Once the training is completed, applicants must pass both written and practical exams administered by the FAA. After passing these exams, applicants will receive their SEPI certification.

The cost of obtaining a SEPI varies depending on the type of training chosen and other factors such as location and instructor rates. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000-$10,000 USD to obtain a SEPI certification.

10. Tailwheel Flight Instructor (TWI)

Tailwheel Flight Instructor (TWI) is a certification issued by the FAA that allows an individual to teach tailwheel flying. Tailwheel aircraft are those with a fixed landing gear, as opposed to a tricycle gear configuration, which has two main wheels in the front and one wheel in the back. The TWI rating is designed to demonstrate proficiency in teaching students how to fly these types of aircraft safely and effectively.

To obtain a TWI rating, applicants must first have an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating and at least 250 hours of total flight time. Additionally, applicants must have logged at least 25 hours of tailwheel time, including 10 hours of solo flight time and 5 hours of dual instruction. The applicant must also pass both written and practical tests administered by an FAA Designated Examiner or Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).

The cost for obtaining a TWI rating varies depending on the instructor providing the training, but typically ranges from $2,000-$3,500. This cost includes all necessary ground instruction, flight instruction, testing fees, and any other associated costs. Depending on the instructor's availability and the student's experience level, it can take anywhere from two weeks to several months to complete all requirements for the TWI rating.

11. Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Instructor Certification

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Instructor Certification (UASFIC) is a certification program designed to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to safely operate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The UASFIC program was developed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in order to ensure that all UAS operators have the appropriate training and experience to safely fly their aircraft.

The UASFIC program consists of three levels of certification: Basic, Advanced, and Master. Each level requires different levels of knowledge and experience in order to be certified. The Basic level is designed for those who are new to operating unmanned aircraft systems and covers basic concepts such as airspace regulations, weather considerations, navigation, communication procedures, and operational safety protocols. The Advanced level focuses on more complex topics such as mission planning, flight operations management, mission execution, data analysis, and risk management. Finally, the Master level covers advanced topics such as advanced mission planning techniques, emergency response planning, system maintenance/repair operations, and flight simulation exercises.

In order to obtain a UASFIC certification an individual must complete a course offered by an FAA-approved provider. Courses typically last between two to four days depending on the level of certification desired. Upon completion of the course participants will receive a certificate verifying their successful completion of the program which they can use when applying for their FAA license or other commercial drone operations permits.

The cost of obtaining a UASFIC certification varies depending on the provider chosen but can range from $500-$2,000 USD per person depending on the length of the course taken.

Do You Really Need a Flight Instructor Certificate?

Yes, if you want to become a flight instructor, you will need to obtain a Flight Instructor Certificate. This certificate is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and allows instructors to provide instruction in aircraft. The FAA has specific requirements that must be met before an applicant can receive a Flight Instructor Certificate.

The most important requirement is that the applicant must have already obtained at least one pilot certificate from the FAA. This means that before you can apply for a Flight Instructor Certificate, you must first obtain either a Private Pilot Certificate or Commercial Pilot Certificate. It is also possible to obtain an Instrument Rating or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate; however, these are not required for flight instruction purposes.

In addition to having at least one pilot certificate, applicants for the Flight Instructor Certificate must also pass written and practical tests. These tests cover knowledge of aeronautical subjects such as navigation, communications, weather, aircraft systems, performance and limitations as well as teaching methods and procedures. The practical test includes an oral exam with a designated FAA examiner as well as an in-flight evaluation.

Once all requirements have been met and the tests have been passed successfully, applicants will receive their Flight Instructor Certificate from the FAA. With this certificate they can then provide flight instruction in accordance with FAA regulations and guidelines. It is important to note that all flight instructors are subject to periodic reviews by the FAA and should maintain their qualifications by attending safety seminars and other training programs approved by the agency.

In conclusion, if you would like to become a flight instructor you will need to obtain a Flight Instructor Certificate from the FAA. This certificate allows instructors to provide instructional services in aircraft while meeting all applicable regulations set forth by the agency.

Related: Flight Instructor Resume Examples

FAQs About Flight Instructor Certifications

1. What is a Flight Instructor Certification?

Answer: A Flight Instructor Certification is an endorsement given to a pilot by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that allows them to act as an instructor for other pilots. The certification includes ground instruction, flight instruction, and a series of tests and checks that must be passed in order to become certified.

2. How do I obtain a Flight Instructor Certification?

Answer: In order to obtain a Flight Instructor Certification, you must first meet the basic eligibility requirements set forth by the FAA. These include holding at least a commercial pilot certificate and having logged at least 250 hours of flight experience. You will then need to complete an approved ground school course and pass the FAA written exam with a minimum score of 70%. After passing the written exam, you will need to take and pass the practical test administered by an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).

3. Is there any special training required for becoming a Flight Instructor?

Answer: Yes, in addition to meeting the basic eligibility requirements mentioned above, you will also have to complete an approved flight instructor refresher course (FIRC). This course covers topics such as risk management, teaching techniques, aeronautical decision-making skills and more. Upon completion of this course, you will receive a FIRC completion certificate which is required for your Flight Instructor Certificate renewal every two years.

4. What types of aircraft can I instruct with my Flight Instructor Certificate?

Answer: Your Flight Instructor Certificate will allow you to instruct on any type of aircraft endorsed on your certificate or rating application form. Depending on your experience level and endorsements, this may include single-engine land airplanes, multi-engine land airplanes, helicopters or gliders.

5. How often do I need to renew my Flight Instructor Certificate?

Answer: Your Flight Instructor Certificate must be renewed every two years in order for it to remain valid. To renew your certificate, you must complete 24 hours of ground instruction within 24 months prior to the expiration date of your current certificate as well as have completed an approved FIRC within 12 months prior to expiration date