Certified Flight Instructor Requirements

Aeronautical Experience Required

• 15 Hours as pilot in command in the category and class of aircraft that is appropriate to the flight instructor rating being sought.
• Hold either an Airline Transport Pilot certificate or Commercial pilot certificate with :
  • An aircraft category and class rating that is appropriate to the flight instructor certificate being sought
  • An instrument pilot rating or privileges on the persons certificate that are appropriate to the flight instructor rating being sought.

Other Requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years of age when you finish your training and take your FAA practical (flight) test.
2. Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
3. Obtain at least third class medical certificate.
   • You must undergo a routine medical examination which may only be administered by FAA – designated doctors called Aviation Medical Examiners (AME).
     • A third class medical certificate is good for 3 years if the date of the examination was before your 40th birthday or 2 years if the date of the examination was on or after your 40th birthday. The medical certificate expires on the last day of the month issued (when another examination is required).
     • Although you only need a third class medical certificate for your practical test, you will need a second class medical certificate to act as pilot in command of an airplane while exercising your privileges of commercial pilot.
4. Hold either an Airline Transport Pilot certificate or Commercial pilot certificate with: An aircraft category and class rating that is appropriate to the flight instructor certificate being sought; an instrument pilot rating or privileges on the persons certificate that are appropriate to the flight instructor rating being sought.
5. Pass the Certified Flight Instructor and Fundamentals of Instruction knowledge test with a score of 70 percent or better. All FAA tests are administered at FAA designated computer testing centers.
6. Successfully complete a practical (flight) test which will be given as a final exam by an FAA pilot examiner.