If you are a sport or private pilot and want to share your passion for flying as an instructor, consider becoming a Sport Pilot Certificated Flight Instructor. A Sport CFI, or simply CFI-S certificate, can be obtained in about half the time required to become a traditional CFI. You can become a CFI-S without becoming a commercial pilot and still get paid to teach sport pilot students.
CFI-S applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold at least a sport pilot certificate. A commercial pilot certificate is not necessary. At least 150 hours of flight time is required, including at least 100 hours as pilot in command in powered aircraft. You must first pass two FAA knowledge exams: the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) and Sport Pilot Flight Instructor (SIA). If you already hold a teaching certificate for at least the seventh grade level, you can opt out of the FOI exam. The complete requirements are detailed in 14 CFR 61, Subpart K.
The CFI-S practical test challenges applicants with a comprehensive oral exam and flight test. Flying from the right seat can be challenging but is quickly overcome. Becoming a CFI carries a huge responsibility and is not to be taken lightly. The FAA ensures only well-prepared applicants pass.
Do I need a second-class medical certificate to teach?
A common misconception is that a second-class medical certificate is always required to get paid as a pilot. However, the FAA general counsel has confirmed through legal interpretations that CFI compensation is for teaching, not flying. Hence, the second-class medical certificate is not required. If you have a third-class medical certificate or are just getting back into flying under the FAA BasicMed program, you already meet the medical certification requirements.
How should I prepare for the Sport CFI exams?
The Gleim Sport Pilot Flight Instructor Kit is designed to expedite training. This kit contains everything needed to study, including the Online Ground School courses for both the FOI and SIA exams. Since the ground school uses the proven Gleim Knowledge Transfer System, Gleim guarantees you will pass the FAA knowledge exam. The kit also includes access to the FAA Test Prep Online which lets you take unlimited practice sessions and emulates the computer interface at the testing center. The included reference books provide a strong foundation to teach students and to help you prepare sample lesson plans. During your practical test, you will need to use your lesson plans to demonstrate your ability to teach a subject to the evaluator.
Paul Duty, Gleim Aviation Chief Instructor, recommends also completing at least a Basic (BGI) or Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) knowledge exam. “The exam is similar to the SIA exam, so you have a great opportunity to challenge yourself. If you become an advanced ground instructor, you will also earn additional privileges to teach the aeronautical knowledge for advanced certificates, including commercial pilot.” Becoming a ground instructor also increases your marketability if you choose to work at a flight school, and there is no practical test requirement to become a ground instructor.
If you are passionate about sharing your love of aviation and would like to make money as an instructor, consider becoming a Sport CFI. Flight instructors can enjoy a very rewarding career. “It is extremely gratifying when students reach their goals,” said Duty. “The smiles following a student’s introductory flight, first solo, and practical test are priceless. There is nothing quite like the satisfaction that comes with helping others make their dreams come true.”
Learn more about the different types of flight and ground instructors, or call (800) 874-5346 ext. 471 to get started.
About Gleim Aviation
Since 1980, the Gleim Aviation team of pilots, instructors, writers, designers, and programmers has helped aviators pass millions of FAA knowledge and practical tests using the unique Gleim Knowledge Transfer System. Gleim is an environmentally-friendly company headquartered in Gainesville, FL.