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StudyFlight Instructor

CFI Preparation

Comprehensive preparation for the FAA Flight Instructor Certificate covering teaching techniques, instructional knowledge, endorsement requirements, and risk management instruction.

CPL holders preparing for the CFI certificate40-60 hours of studyLast reviewed 2026-04-16

What you will learn

  • Master the demonstration-performance and telling-and-doing teaching methods.
  • Apply the integrated method of flight instruction from the first lesson.
  • Correctly issue all required endorsements per 14 CFR Parts 61 and 91.
  • Teach risk management using IMSAFE, PAVE, 5P, and DECIDE frameworks.
  • Evaluate student readiness using formative and summative assessment techniques.
  • Manage student emotional reactions and learning plateaus effectively.

Topics covered

Teaching Techniques

Demonstration-performance method, integrated flight instruction, positive exchange of controls, telling-and-doing technique, and building-block concept.

Instructional Knowledge

How to teach stalls, crosswind landings, ground reference maneuvers, emergency procedures, and spin awareness using scenario-based methods.

Endorsements and Documentation

Pre-solo endorsements per 61.87, knowledge test endorsements, cross-country endorsements per 61.93, practical test recommendations, and logbook requirements.

Risk Management Instruction

Teaching IMSAFE, PAVE, 5P, and DECIDE models. Hazardous attitudes and antidotes. Single-pilot resource management instruction strategies.

Student Evaluation

Stage checks, formative vs. summative assessment, effective oral questioning, determining checkride readiness, and managing unsatisfactory performance.

Aeromedical Factors

Teaching spatial disorientation recognition, hypoxia awareness, G-force effects, stress impact on learning, and managing student anxiety.

Fundamentals of Instructing

Learning process, levels of learning (rote through correlation), human behavior, defense mechanisms, effective communication, and critique methods.

Flight Instructor Responsibilities

CFI renewal per 61.197, professionalism standards, safety advocacy, evaluating student ability, and when to withhold endorsements.

Prerequisites

  • Commercial Pilot Certificate required.
  • Instrument Rating required for the CFII addition.
  • Thorough understanding of all PPL and CPL ACS maneuvers.
  • FOI knowledge test passed or concurrent FOI study recommended.

Become the instructor every student deserves

Master teaching techniques, endorsement requirements, and instructional best practices from the Aviation Instructor's Handbook.