What Does It Take To Be A CFI?

Becoming a flight instructor is one of the smartest moves you can make in aviation, and understanding the Certified Flight Instructor requirements is the first step toward that rewarding path. At Leopard Aviation, we work closely with students who want to take their passion for flying and turn it into a way to build hours, earn income, and share the joy of aviation with others.

If you love flying and enjoy helping others succeed, this could be your ideal next step. Training to become a CFI not only strengthens your skills but opens new doors in your career, whether you’re headed toward the airlines, corporate, or cargo flying. 

Why So Many Pilots Choose to Become CFIs

What Does a Certified Flight Instructor Do?

A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is an FAA-authorized pilot who teaches students how to fly. CFIs play a critical role in aviation training, guiding students from their first takeoff to earning advanced ratings. With the proper certifications, CFIs can train others toward:

• Private Pilot License (PPL)
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
• Instrument Rating (if CFII-certified)

CFIs are mentors, safety advocates, and teachers all in one. They demonstrate flight maneuvers, provide ground instruction, and help students develop the confidence and judgment every safe pilot needs.

Why Pilots Choose to Become CFIs

There are many reasons pilots pursue flight instructing, but most come down to three key benefits: experience, pay, and personal satisfaction.

Becoming a CFI allows you to build valuable flight time toward the 1,500-hour minimum required for the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. Instead of renting aircraft or flying privately just to log hours, you get paid to fly while continuing to learn.

Instructing is also one of the fastest ways to refine your own flying skills. Teaching others requires a deep understanding of aerodynamics, procedures, and safety, which strengthens your abilities as a professional pilot. Many CFIs find that they emerge from this stage of their career more confident, capable, and ready for airline interviews.

Who Makes a Great CFI?

Some people naturally thrive in the role of a flight instructor. If you love aviation, enjoy working with people, and have patience for the learning process, you already have the right mindset.

Great CFIs share certain traits:

• Patience and empathy with students at every skill level
• Strong communication skills to explain complex topics simply
• Attention to detail and commitment to safety
• A genuine passion for helping others reach their goals

These qualities not only make you an effective teacher but also a more respected and employable pilot across the aviation industry.

The Professional Edge of Becoming a CFI

Instructing gives you a major advantage as you advance your career. Many airlines and cargo operators view time spent as a CFI as a mark of professionalism and reliability. It shows that you’ve handled responsibility, managed students in real-world situations, and maintained a deep understanding of flight operations.

Additionally, CFIs gain invaluable real-time decision-making experience. You’re constantly analyzing weather, managing risk, and ensuring safety.

A Career Step That Keeps You Flying

One of the most appealing parts of being a flight instructor is that it keeps you in the air—often daily. Instead of waiting for limited flight opportunities, CFIs spend their days doing what they love: flying and sharing that passion.

And while many use it as a stepping stone to build hours for airline careers, others fall in love with instructing and make it their long-term profession. There’s something special about watching your students take their first solo flight or earn their wings, knowing you helped them get there.

Certified Flight Instructor Requirements: What You’ll Need to Get Started

Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor is a big milestone in any pilot’s journey. It’s where you go from student to teacher—and it all starts with meeting some specific FAA requirements.

The FAA’s Minimum Requirements for CFI Certification

To qualify for your CFI rating, the FAA requires that you meet several key conditions. These are non-negotiable and form the legal and technical foundation for becoming an instructor:

• • Be at least 18 years old
  • Hold a valid FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate
  • Have a current FAA Medical Certificate (Third Class)
  • Pass two FAA written exams:
    • Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)
    • Flight Instructor – Airplane (FIA)
  • Log the appropriate training in teaching maneuvers and ground instruction

• Log a minimum of 250 hours flight time

• Successfully complete a checkride with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)

These are the minimum boxes to check before you’re legally allowed to instruct student pilots.

What the FAA Knowledge Tests Cover

To earn your CFI rating, you’ll need to pass two written exams. The first is the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) test, which focuses on how people learn, instructional techniques, and how to effectively teach aviation. The second is the Flight Instructor – Airplane (FIA) exam, which covers the technical knowledge needed to teach flight concepts and procedures.

Both exams are multiple-choice and taken on a computer at an FAA-approved testing center. While they’re passable with dedicated study, the FOI especially can surprise people, as it’s more about psychology and communication than aerodynamics.

The Checkride and What to Expect

Once you’ve met the prerequisites and passed the written tests, you’ll schedule a checkride with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). This is the final step to becoming a CFI, and it’s more thorough than most checkrides you’ve done so far.

Expect a lengthy oral exam, where you’ll be asked to demonstrate your ability to teach and explain aviation concepts clearly. You’ll also go flying and be asked to demonstrate maneuvers from the instructor’s perspective. This means not just flying the maneuver, but teaching it, correcting mistakes, and ensuring safety throughout.

It’s an intense day, but proper prep and solid instruction go a long way.

Why Many New CFIs Also Pursue a CFII

Shortly after earning the standard CFI rating, many instructors continue on to become a Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII). This allows you to teach instrument rating students and gives you more versatility and job opportunities as an instructor.

Having both CFI and CFII credentials makes you more marketable, increases your potential for steady work, and gives you a broader base of experience to draw from as you build hours.

Keep in Mind: It’s Not Just About Meeting Requirements

Meeting FAA requirements is step one, but succeeding as a flight instructor takes more than passing tests. You’ll need to develop your communication skills, learn how to spot student mistakes quickly, and maintain a strong focus on safety.

The more engaged you are during your own training, the better prepared you’ll be when it’s your turn to sit in the instructor’s seat and guide someone else through their aviation journey.

Turn Your Passion into a Profession with Flight Training at Leopard Aviation

Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor is a major step in your aviation journey, and we’re here to help you make it happen. At Leopard Aviation, we can train you to be a confident, capable instructor ready to lead. Whether your goal is to build hours or teach long-term, we provide the tools, mentorship, and flight time to help you succeed.

Our Certified Flight Instructor program is built around real-world training and mentorship. We give you the tools to succeed, not just pass a checkride. Here’s how we support you throughout your CFI training:

• One-on-one mentorship with experienced instructors
• FOI exam preparation and oral exam practice
• Hands-on teaching scenarios to build confidence
• Checkride readiness coaching from start to finish
• Flexible scheduling so you can learn on your time
• Financing and pay-as-you-go options for accessibility

It’s a complete system designed to help you train well, instruct well, and feel proud of the pilot you’re becoming.

We operate out of two world-class locations in Arizona: Scottsdale Airport (SDL) and Falcon Field in Mesa (FFZ). These areas give you access to over 300 VFR flying days each year, which means fewer weather delays and more time in the air.

Why Our Aircraft Make a Difference

We train in the Cessna 172S Skyhawk, outfitted with the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit. It’s modern, reliable, and known as the best aircraft for student and instructor development.

You’ll gain familiarity with industry-standard avionics and practice teaching maneuvers in an aircraft trusted by flight schools and professionals worldwide. Safety and situational awareness are always top priorities, and our fleet supports both.

The Learning Environment at Leopard Aviation

Flying is fun—and we believe learning should be too. From your very first lesson, we work hard to keep the experience enjoyable, encouraging, and focused. You’ll never be just another student on a checklist. Our amazing instructors care deeply about your success and bring real energy to every session.

We emphasize positive, hands-on learning, with feedback and guidance that sticks. Whether you’re prepping for your FOI, logging time in the right seat, or working through mock lessons, we make sure you’re growing, not just going through the motions.

Discovery Flights: Your First Step into the Instructor Mindset

If you’re not sure whether the CFI route is right for you, a Discovery Flight is a perfect place to start. You’ll fly with one of our instructors, take the controls, and get a feel for what instruction looks like from the right seat.

It’s also a chance to experience our culture firsthand. You’ll see what it’s like to be a part of Leopard Aviation’s supportive, tight-knit training community.

It’s Time to Train, Fly, and Inspire

Becoming a flight instructor is a smart, impactful move for any pilot working toward a professional career. With the right training, mentorship, and support, you can meet all the Certified Flight Instructor requirements, build hours, and grow into the kind of pilot others look up to. Whether your goal is to fly commercially or give back to aviation, instructing opens a path worth taking.

At Leopard Aviation, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, from test prep to your first student. Let’s get you flying, teaching, and building a future in aviation you can be proud of. Schedule your first lesson today, and start your journey toward becoming a confident, skilled, and successful CFI.

FAQs

How many hours do I need to become a CFI?

To become a CFI, you must already hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate, which requires at least 250 hours of flight time. From there, you’ll need additional training specific to instructing, including logged time demonstrating your ability to teach maneuvers. There’s no strict hour count for the CFI rating itself, but quality instruction and preparation are key.

What are the Certified Flight Instructor Requirements I need to meet before starting?

To get your CFI rating, you must be at least 18, hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate (or ATP), have a current FAA Medical Certificate, pass two FAA knowledge exams (FOI and FIA), and complete a checkride with a DPE. Meeting these Certified Flight Instructor Requirements puts you on track to teach new pilots safely and professionally.

What’s the difference between a CFI and a CFII?

A CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) teaches basic flight skills and helps students earn private or commercial pilot certificates. A CFII (Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument) is authorized to teach instrument flight, which is required for pilots working toward their instrument rating. Most CFIs go on to earn their CFII to expand their teaching opportunities and build more hours.

Does Leopard Aviation offer help with the FOI and FIA written exams?

Yes, we do. Our instructors provide guidance and study support for both the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) and Flight Instructor – Airplane (FIA) exams. We’ll help you understand the material and give you the confidence to pass your tests and move forward with your training.

Can I finance my CFI training through Leopard Aviation?

Yes! We offer flexible financing options as well as a pay-as-you-go model so you can train in a way that fits your budget. We’re happy to help you explore financing programs and create a plan that keeps your training affordable and on track.