Flight Instructor

Share Your Passion for Aviation—Become a Certified Flight Instructor

Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is an excellent step for pilots looking to gain extensive flight experience while teaching others to fly. As a CFI, you’ll help train students of all levels, conduct flight reviews, lead proficiency checks, and facilitate ground training sessions.

This certification not only allows you to build valuable flight hours but also hones your own skills and knowledge as you guide the next generation of pilots.

Why Become a Flight Instructor?

Becoming a CFI offers many benefits for pilots who are passionate about aviation and eager to advance their careers. Teaching as a flight instructor is one of the most effective ways to build flight hours toward higher certifications and gain the experience necessary for roles in commercial or airline aviation. It’s also an incredibly rewarding role that allows you to share your love of flying and mentor new pilots on their journeys.

Program Requirements

To enroll in our CFI program, you’ll need to complete a few key steps:

Prerequisite Exams:

  • Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) Exam – Required for your initial instructor rating, this exam ensures you understand educational principles and teaching techniques.
  • Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA) Written Exam – This exam covers the essential knowledge needed to instruct students in flight.
  • Training Program Enrollment: Both the FOI and FIA exams must be passed before beginning initial CFI training. For those pursuing additional instructor ratings, the FIA is required before starting any add-on training.

What You’ll Learn

Our CFI program provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare you for the responsibilities of flight instruction. Key areas of training include:

  • Instructional Techniques: Develop the skills to teach effectively, adapting your approach to different student learning styles and experience levels.
  • Flight Maneuver Instruction: Learn to teach all basic and advanced maneuvers, from takeoff and landing to emergency procedures, ensuring your students master each skill confidently.
  • Safety and Professionalism: Gain expertise in safety practices, situational awareness, and the professional standards expected of certified instructors.
  • Ground and Air Instruction: Build skills in both ground training and in-flight instruction, learning to manage a safe and productive learning environment.

Program Structure & Flexibility

The CFI program combines in-depth ground instruction with flight training, where you’ll work closely with our experienced instructors to build your own teaching and flying abilities. The program offers flexible scheduling to fit your needs, allowing you to train at a pace that works best for your career and lifestyle.

Cost Estimate

Our team is here to help you understand the costs and structure of the CFI program. Contact us for a personalized cost estimate and to discuss your options.

Start Teaching and Building Flight Hours

Take the next step in your aviation career by becoming a Certified Flight Instructor. Contact us today to learn more about our CFI program, schedule a tour, or speak with an instructor about your goals.

Please note that completing our Flight Instructor program does not guarantee you a job at SEFT as a flight instructor. (Although we do encourage our graduates to apply, and prior training history with us is considered).

Share your passion, build your experience—start your journey as a CFI