Certified Flight Instructor Certificate
Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor is one of the most important and rewarding certificates a pilot can receive. Are you ready to start passing on your knowledge and passion for aviation?
Get started with a Flight Instructor Certificate.
Certified Flight Instructor Certificate Requirements
COMMERCIAL
CERTIFICATE
18
YEARS OF AGE
$87.98
CFI HOURLY RATE
$133-199
AIRCRAFT HOURLY RATE
$5,000
PROGRAM ESTIMATE
15 HOURS
AIRCRAFT ESTIMATE
2 MONTHS
TIME FRAME ESTIMATE
Note: Checkride, Testing, and Pilot Equipment costs are not included in this estimate.
What Will I Learn?
Ground Knowledge:
Human Behavior
The Learning Process
Assessment
Instructor Responsibilities
Effective Communication
Techniques of Flight Instruction
Flight Experience:
Right Seat Transition
Advanced Stall and Spin Recovery
Managing Student
Learn In-flight Teaching Processes
Crew Resource Management
Aeronautical Decision Making
TRAINING BREAKDOWN
Ground Training
A thorough ground training process will prepare you to be able to confidently instruct students. This training will ensure you have an in depth understanding of all related subjects, and requires significant studying.
Instructor Endorsement
Your instructor will give you multiple endorsements throughout your training, allowing you to take your FAA Knowledge Exam, Solo Flights and Checkride with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).
FAA Knowledge Exams
Before beginning flight training, it is highly recommended that Certified Flight Instructor applicants study for and pass the two required FAA Knowledge Exams. These two tests, Flight Instructor Airplane, and Fundamentals of Instructing, cover the basic knowledge needed to be a safe and effective instructor. This exam can be taken at VFA’s onsite FAA Certified Testing Center.
Flight Training
Flight training begins with transitioning to flying from the right seat of the aircraft. Once familiar with operating the aircraft from the right seat, training will focus on not only perfecting the required maneuvers, but also ensuring you can effectively teach these maneuvers to new students.
Oral & Practical Exam
After meeting all of the FAA Certified Flight Instructor Certificate requirements and your instructor has determined you have mastered the maneuvers, and demonstrated the applicable aeronautical knowledge, you will take the Oral Exam and Practical Test with a Designated Pilot Examiner. The Oral Exam and Practical Test will evaluate you on instructional knowledge and teaching abilities. Upon successful completion, you will be issued your Certified Flight Instructor Certificate.
THE VFA DIFFERENCE
ADVANCED FLEET
With the largest and most advanced rental fleet in the state, VFA has the right aircraft for you. All of our aircraft are maintained to the highest standards by our in-house maintenance department.
PASSIONATE STAFF
VFA has a diverse group of passionate and knowledgeable instructors here to help you achieve your goals. No matter your learning style, we have the right instructor for you.
AVIATION COMMUNITY
When you join us at VFA, you join a passionate community dedicated to furthering aviation education in Vermont. Every lesson you take at VFA helps to contribute to providing flights to underprivileged children in Vermont.
FAQ
How old do I have to be to get my Certified Flight Instructor Certificate?
You need to be at least 18 years old and hold a Current Commercial Pilot Certificate.
How long will it take to earn a Certified Flight Instructor Certificate?
There are many variables that affect how quickly one earns their Certified Flight Instructor Certificate. If you are self-motivated, then you can complete this rating in as little as 2 months from start to finish. The FAA is required to be notified prior to your check ride, and this process can be lengthy, however Vermont Flight Academy has a great relationship with the FAA and we do everything to expedite this process.
What will my Certified Flight Instructor training involve?
Your training for your Certified Flight Instructor Certificate will involve all Commercial maneuvers while commanding the aircraft from the right seat (the instructor’s seat). Commercial maneuvers such as chandelles, lazy 8s, steep spirals and stalls are all a part of the training. An applicants biggest challenge is the muscle memory to fly the aircraft from the right seat. However, practice makes perfect, and with our team of flight instructors to guide you through the process, you will be flying as well as, if not better than you were in the left seat.
Another component of your training is the Oral Exam prep you will do with your instructor. This is the time to master your instructional abilities and learn what it takes to share the gift of flight.
What are my limitations as a Certified Flight Instructor?
As a Certified Flight Instructor, you may be compensated for instructing others. You are limited to the aircraft that you are rated with the exception of Multi Engine, which requires a separate certificate. You are allowed to instruct Private and Commercial students, but in order to instruct Instrument students you will require a Flight Instructor Instrument Certificate, which is an addition to your Certified Flight Instructor Certificate.
Once I get my Certified Flight Instructor Certificate, what do I have to do to keep it current?
CFIs are required to renew their Flight Instructor Certificate every 24 months. This can be done by either taking a Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC), a check ride with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), or demonstration to a DPE of 5 successful student signoffs in the past 24 months.
General Information
HOURS:
Monday - Friday | 9AM - 5PM
Saturday | 8AM - 4PM
Sunday | 8AM - 4PM
* Hours are subject change.
PHONE:
Front Desk - 802.863.5988
EMAIL :
office@flyvfa.org
LOCATION:
355 Valley Road
South Burlington, VT 05403