Instructor certificate
The next path usually followed by pilots pursuing a career in aviation, is to obtain the certification to be an instructor and work on the other side of the training program. There are two types of certificates.
First one is the Certified Flight Instructor Certificate ( CFI ) and allow the successful candidate to teach students pursuing a specific certificate. The instructor can also endorse pilots seeking an endorsement if approriately rated. There are two ratings that can be added for such certificate. The instrument instructor rating ( CFII )needed to teach someone seeking an instrument rating, and the multi-engines instructor ( CFMEI ) needed to teach students seeking to add a multi-engine rating to their private or commercial certificate. The candidate will have to go thru a thorough ground school to perfect his overall knowledge but also learn about student / instructor relationship, communication and teaching skills. There are two different written test required to be passed with at least 70% in both. The FOI ( Fundamentals Of Instructing ), although not required if the candidate has a teaching degree for seventh grade or above, and the FIA ( Flight Instructor Airplane ). In the airplane, the candidate will be sitting in the right seat and learn how to fly the maneuvers from this angle and also how to teach and explain them in the meantime. The pilot will have to demonstrate his ability to do so during a specific checkride for each certificate and/or ratings. A certificate must be renewed every two years. The second possible certificate a person can get is the Ground Instructor Certificate, and its purpose is to allow the candidate to teach ground school. It does not require to pass a checkride but a written test must be successfuly completed if the person is not already a CFI. This is so because a Ground Instructor does not have to be a pilot. There are three different ratings. Basic, which allows the instructor to teach students seeking a sport, recreational or private certificates. Advanced, which allows the instructor to teach pilots seeking a commercial or flight instructor certificate. The last one is Instrument, which give the instructor priviledges to teach an instrument course to pilots. A ground instructor certificate does not expire. |
For complete eligibility and training requirements, please read the regulations specific to pilots seeking a Flight Instructor Certificate, by clicking here For complete eligibility and training requirements, please read the regulations specific to people seeking a Ground Instructor Certificate, by clicking here |