Certified Flight Instructor
// Certified Flight Instructor
Become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) with Leopard Aviation Flight School in Mesa, AZ at Falcon Field.
✈️ Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI)
Teach. Fly. Build Your Future.
Becoming a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) is one of the most rewarding steps in aviation. It’s where your knowledge comes full circle—transitioning from student to mentor while continuing to grow as a pilot.
Many professional pilots choose the CFI path to build flight experience while getting paid to fly. It’s also an opportunity to share your passion, develop leadership skills, and play a direct role in shaping the next generation of pilots.
At Leopard Aviation, we prepare you not just to pass a checkride—but to become a confident, capable instructor. You’ll refine your understanding of flight, learn how to teach effectively, and gain the skills needed to communicate complex concepts with clarity.
📋 Requirements
To become a Certificated Flight Instructor, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English
- Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate or ATP with an Instrument Rating
- Hold a valid medical certificate
- Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor
- Log at least 250 hours of flight time
- Pass two FAA knowledge tests:
- Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI)
- Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)
🚀 Why Become a CFI?
Becoming a CFI allows you to:
- Earn income while building valuable flight hours
- Work toward the 1,500 hours required for the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate
- Strengthen your own flying skills through teaching
- Start a career in aviation with real-world experience
Just as important—where you train matters. Many instructors begin working at the school where they earn their certificate. Choosing the right environment sets the tone for your early career.
At Leopard Aviation, we offer a supportive, professional setting with modern aircraft, experienced mentors, and flexible scheduling. We tailor training to your learning style and help you build a clear path from student to instructor.
Becoming a CFI is more than a certification—it’s the start of your professional aviation journey.
Call 1.833.FLY.KSDL or fill out the form to begin your CFI training at Leopard Aviation.
We would love to teach you to fly
