Certified Flight Instructor License (CFI & CFII)

Ascend has developed a premier FAA authorized aviation instructor training program. As any CFI knows, the key to certification is the development and effective delivery of training lessons - the cornerstone of which is the lesson plan. Ascend streamlines this effort with predeveloped and copyright protected ‘enhanced’ lesson plans as elements of individual Private, Instrument, and Commercial training syllabi.  When an Ascend CFI Applicant takes the practical exam with an FAA Examiner, their knowledge will be expansive and their delivery will be smooth and professional.

 

Overview

The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Certificate is a U.S. Government certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that authorizes you to provide certified pilot training to qualified applicants in preparation for the FAA practical exam.

Types of Instructor Certificates

There are two certificates associated with instructor licenses:

• The Certified Flight Instructor certificate (CFI) allows you to perform training in preparation for the Private and Commercial license.

• The Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument certificate (CFII) allows you to perform training in preparation for the instrument pilot rating as an add-on to either your Private or Commercial license.

Responsibilities and Role of a CFI

Becoming an FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is a significant commitment. As a CFI, your role extends beyond preparing students for their FAA licensing. You are responsible for developing safe pilots, ensuring they understand and operate within the privileges and limitations of their certificate. You serve as both the initial and ongoing arbiter of safety, tasked with evaluating and cultivating new pilots based on your objective and subjective assessment of their aeronautical skills and judgment. A safe pilot begins with quality  instructor!

Core Eligibility & Prerequisites

• Age/Language: At least 18 years of age and proficient in reading, speaking, writing, and understanding English.

• Certificates: Hold at least a Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with an instrument rating (for the category/class of aircraft you will instruct in).

• Medical: A valid 3rd Class Medical Certificate (or higher) is required.

• Flight Time: Generally, you must have logged at least 250 hours of flight time.

 

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Training & Knowledge Requirements

• Ground Training: Receive training on the fundamentals of instructing (learning process, teaching methods) and required aeronautical knowledge areas.

• Flight Training: Train to demonstrate proficiency from the right seat, including teaching maneuvers to commercial standards.

• Spin Training: You must receive a specific logbook endorsement certifying you have received training in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery.

Testing Requirements

• Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) Knowledge Test: Covers teaching and learning principles. (Exempt if you hold a teacher's certificate or are a college teacher).

• Flight Instructor Knowledge Test (FIA/FIG/FRH): Covers the specific aeronautical knowledge for the rating sought (e.g., Airplane Single-Engine).

• Practical Test (Checkride): A checkride with an FAA inspector or Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) involving an oral exam and a flight exam from the right seat.

 

Ascend Aviation provides all the necessary training for the CFI/I Certificate.