Matthew Waugh
Introduction
Training for the initial Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) training is broken down into 2 components. Ground School, which goes through all the information for an initial CFI in detail, and Flight Training, which provides the training and practice in a complex aircraft to prepare you for the check-ride. This training can be taken together or separately.
In order to take the CFI check-ride you must be 18 years of age, be able to read, speak and write the English language and hold a commercial or ATP certificate with instrument rating. You must also have passed the appropriate knowledge tests which can be arranged as part of the Ground Training program.
The Ground Training normally takes 8 days to complete and the Flight Training consists of approximately 10 hours of flight time and takes 4-5 days to complete but flexible schedules are also available.
Ground Training
The Ground Training is classroom based and may contain multiple students depending on schedules. Each classroom day is 8 hours and there is also take home reading and exercises to be completed out of class. During the the ground training CFI candidates will prepare and practice teaching the lesson plans that they will use during their check-ride. Training will be a mixture of lecture, discussion and role playing.
The ground training will prepare CFI candidates to take the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Knowledge Tests as well as provide CFI candidates with thorough training in teaching and the knowledge areas required for the check-ride. Arrangements to take the FOI and CFI Knowledge Tests at a local facility are available.
Flight Training
The Flight Training is conducted in a complex aircraft and consists of training and practice for all the maneuvers that may be demonstrated on the CFI check-ride. Each flight training sessions will include 30 minutes to an hour of ground training to prepare for and de-brief the flight. In addition 4 hours of ground training will be provided to CFI candidates to prepare them for the oral examination.
The initial CFI certificate requires an instructor endorsement on spin training and arrangements can also be made for this instruction as part of the training program.