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How Long Does It Usually Take To Become A Certified Flight Instructor?

If the very thought of teaching others to fly thrills you, and you love flying, then the right career calling for you is a CFI (certified flying—or flight—instructor). This will be the position that has you teaching budding pilots how to fly, instilling in them all the necessary confidence. The career of becoming a CFI is a multi-step journey. But, exactly how long will it take to get that certificate?

Upon deciding to proceed, you should understand that one does not become a CFI overnight. It takes dedication, commitment, a string of diverse training programs, and even exams. The following is the standard timeline and what can be expected along the way.

Step 1: Obtain a Private Pilot’s License

The first step to being a certified flight instructor is obtaining a Private Pilot License (PPL). This is a license that makes one part of the aviation community. Most people find it pretty easy to acquire a PPL, with most of them gaining it in between six months to a year. That, of course, will depend on how often you take your lessons and how fast you can catch or adapt to flying.

Step 2: Obtain an Instrument Rating

The next step after a PPL is getting an instrument rating. This is important since, with the rating, you can fly in a more significant set of weather conditions and use flight instruments. The approximate time it usually takes to gain this rating is a few months.

Step 3: Commercial Pilot License

First, you will have to become a commercial pilot before you can teach others how to fly. Obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) would mean slightly more advanced training than those involved in PPL. Here, you learn a lot about flying larger, more complex aircraft. This training phase is intense and may take several months, up to about a year.

Step 4: Flight Instructor Training Program

This includes enrolling in a specific program to teach how to teach. You shall learn how to communicate well, how to make lesson plans, and how to assess your student’s progress. This training might run from a few weeks to a few months.

Step 5: Take the FAA Examinations

The final obstacle to becoming a certified flight instructor will be to complete written and practical FAA exams. You’ll need to show that you have the knowledge and skills to teach others safely. This can add a few more months to your schedule, depending on how much time you feel you need to be prepared for these exams. 

Conclusion 

Essentially, to become a certified flight instructor will usually take you around 18 months to 3 years. The course duration will depend on your own pace, the frequency of lessons you take, and factors like weather. Though it may seem like a far journey, the rewards of being a CFI are significant. Not only will you advance your knowledge and skills, but you will also be in a position to pass your passion for flying to others and make a difference for the future of aviation.

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