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3 Answers

Becoming a CFI!!

Asked by: 4748 views
Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor

Hi guys & girls, I'm a commercial/ instrument pilot that loves to fly. I would like to start my CFI training. What study books do you recommend? Should I do my training local or some fast track school? And is it a good idea to do the CFII at the same time? Thanks to all...............Chris

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3 Answers



  1. Wes Beard on Aug 14, 2012

    A fast track school is OK. The reference materials are located in the CFI PTS. If you do a fast track make sure you read and understand every reference listed. There are 20+ listed. Doing a local FBO allows your instructor to guide you in understanding what you need to know. I have found those instructors who have gone the fast track really don’t understand what they need to know. I am sure there are exceptions.

    The CFII test has to be done separately and is best you concentrate on the CFI and then add your instrument instructor rating.

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  2. CFI Academy on Aug 15, 2012

    http://cfiacademy.com – exclusively flight instructor training.

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  3. Best Answer


    Matthew Waugh on Aug 17, 2012

    The fast track schools will get you a certificate (or certificates) – but they do it by teaching you to talk and fly from the right seat at the same time. This does not make you an instructor.

    So as long as you understand that – I think doing all 3 CFI ratings at the same time is fine. But once you have the certificates, spend a little time with an experienced instructor learning a) a little about how to teach and b) how to stop students killing you. You can learn that on your own, but a) isn’t fair to the students and b) isn’t fair to those you leave behind.

    I also would recommend using the references in the CFI-PTS – that’s the FAA way and that’s what the inspector will want to see. The rating mills probably won’t spend a lot of time on the ground school – and what you get is from a fire-hose – so I recommend being VERY prepared on the book learning before you go to a rating mill.

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