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CFI Aeronautical Knowledge Prep. Any Recommendations?

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Flight Instructor

It's been over a year since I've been flying and in the aviation loop.  What's the best approach in terms of studying aeronautical knowledge to prepare for CFI training? Ive been slowly chipping away at my ratings the past 4 years.  Private, Instrument, Multi, Commercial.  However in between each rating I would have months where I wouldn't fly or be around aviation folk.  Slowly over time I think my general aviation related knowledge is not where to should be.  Are there any good home courses that are actually worth the money or would it be better to use a variety of texts, manuals, etc.  I just want to be at the top of my game when it comes to the knowledge portion for the CFI ticket.

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3 Answers



  1. Josh Martin on Aug 26, 2010

    I like the ASA Oral Exam guides for this type of thing. http://www.asa2fly.com/Oral-Exam-Guide-Certified-Flight-Instructor–P916_product1.aspx
    It covers all the topics and puts them in a nice question and answer format.

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  2. Vance Cochrane on Aug 26, 2010

    I would recommend Rod Machado’s books, they have simple easy to understand explanations of basic aeronautical concepts. You can find them at http://www.rodmachado.com/

    Also, you never really stop increasing your knowledge. There is always more to learn about aviation so whatever you can get your hands on you should absorb.

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  3. Best Answer


    Larry on Aug 27, 2010

    Hi Kyle. I can sympathize with your scenario. I finished my private in 2000, instrument in 2001, and commercial in 2007. This year, I finally decided to go after my CFI and finished in July(2010). It’s tough trying to recall information after periods of disuse, but brushing up by doing the CFI will be good review.

    Some of the materials I used to get back up to speed were:

    Airplane Flying Handbook (required)
    Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (required)
    Aviation Instructor’s Handbook (Required)
    Advisory Circulars (Required)
    King Instructor/FOI Knowledge Test Course (Optional- good review of private/commercial material and FOI)
    Lesson Plans (Optional)
    Depending on what city you live in, go to WINGS events. Sometimes they have CFI specific programs. These are a great way to hang with people who want to help follow pilots develop.

    I would also recommend carefully picking your CFI. Ask what they know about the checkride. It pays to use a CFI that has a good relationship with the FSDO

    If you have any questions, feel free to message me via Facebook or we can set-up a phone call if you’d like.

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