Flight Instructor - Initial
Once you have reached this stage in your flight
training, you have already learned everything you
need to know as a pilot about aeronautical knowledge
and flight maneuvers. What you will learn during the
Certified Flight Instructor Course is how to teach
that knowledge to others.
You will notice that there are no flight time
requirements outside the 3 hours test preparation
and there are no "stages" to complete. During the
course of this certificate, you will learn in detail
the FAA airman certification process, the basic
fundamentals of instructing, and how to prepare and
execute both ground and flight lessons.
Additionally, you will learn how to fly, and more
importantly, how to teach from the right seat of the
airplane. Paired with a Certified Flight Instructor
with at least two years of experience, this course
will be individually tailored based on your current
proficiency level.
Cost
It is required by the FAA that you are Certified Flight Instructor and that the checkride be completed in a complex aircraft. However you do not need to use a complex aircraft for all of your training. In order to minimize cost Trade Winds uses both the Cessna 172 (or Piper Archer) and a Piper Arrow to complete your training. Additionally, if you desire, your entire training can be completed in anyone of Trade Winds' complex aircraft. To see a complete list of our aircraft, please visit our aircraft fleet page.
| 10 Hours - Cessna 172P | $98/Hour | $980 |
| 5 Hours - Piper Arrow II | $130/Hour | $650 |
| 15 Hours - Flight Instruction | $54/Hour | $810 |
| 40 Hours - Ground Instruction | $54/Hour | $2160 |
| Books and Supplies | $100 | |
| Written Test Fee (2) | $80 | $160 |
| Practical Test Fee | $300 | |
| 3 Hours - Piper Arrow II (Practical Test) | $130/Hour | $390 |
| TOTAL COST | $5550 |
*Note: These times are based on a student who’s current knowledge and proficiency meets Commercial Pilot standards, is familiar with the make and model aircraft they are using, and spends at least 10 to 15 hours of self study time per week in addition to the instruction they receive..
REQUIREMENTS
61.183 – Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Certified Flight Instructor Certificate a person must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
- Hold a Commercial Pilot or Airline Transport Certificate
- Hold a current teacher certificate issued by a state, county, city or municipality that authorizes the person to teach at an educational level of the 7th grade or higher or be employed as a teacher at an accredited college or university or pass a written exam on the fundamentals of instruction listed in FAR 61.185
- Hold at least a current second class medical certificate
- Receive flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
- 1.) Has conducted the training in the areas of operation listed in FAR 61.127(b)
- 2.) Has certified that the person is prepared for the required practical test.
- Meet the aeronautical experience requirements that apply to the aircraft rating sought.
- Pass a practical test on the areas of operation listed in FAR 61.127(b)
