Fast Track CFI Program
Zero to Certified Flight Instructor in 7-9 Months
- Become a Certified Flight Instructor in 7-9 months
- 260 logged flight hours (210 aircraft + 50 sim)
- Private, Instrument, Commercial & CFI included
- Instructing lets you build hours while earning, not paying
- Add CFII or multi-engine later, when you're ready
- No surprise costs, one fixed price
Start Earning Sooner
The Fast Track CFI has you earning as an instructor in under a year, while the college route is still paying tuition.
7-9 Months to Start Earning
4+ Years Before You Earn
Calculation Assumptions: Earnings based on average hourly CFI pay at full-time work; our top instructors have earned $62,000+ per year. Some CFIs may earn substantially more working as an independent instructor. Actual earnings vary based on student load and hours worked. College costs and timelines vary by school. Employment is not guaranteed and depends on your performance and student demand.
By finishing training in 7-9 months instead of 4 years, you're a working CFI years before a college program even graduates. That's $186,000+ in potential instructor earnings by the end of year 4, on top of avoiding years of extra tuition and living costs.
The Fast Track CFI Advantage:
- Start Earning Sooner: Be a working CFI in under a year instead of waiting 4+ years for a degree
- Lower Investment: $69,495 vs $94,995 for the Fast Track Airline Program
- vs the Big Academies: Hour for hour, our training runs about $98 less per flight hour than the largest national academy's program. Across the Fast Track CFI's 260 logged hours, that works out to roughly $25,500 in savings.
- Flexible Path: Add multi-engine or CFII when YOU're ready
- Build Hours Fast: Full-time instructing builds 800-1000 hours per year
- Career Options: Corporate, charter, continue instructing, or add your multi-commercial and go to the airlines!
The Fast Track CFI is the smart choice for pilots who want to start earning while keeping their options open.
130+ Five-Star Reviews Tell the Story
See Why Pilots Choose Us Over Other Schools
"As parents of a son graduating high-school, we didn't know the first thing about Flight School. We couldn't be happier with our son's experience in the Fast Track Program at US Flight Co. The process was seamless, the instructors were excellent, and he was able to complete his training in a year without sacrificing quality. At 19 years old, he is now a CFII at US Flight Co. A proud moment for our family. Highly recommend!"
"Pursuing a passion for flying is a significant investment of time and money. I did a lot of research before choosing US Flight Co. and I'm really satisfied with my decision. I was pleased to find great facilities, well maintained aircraft, kind and professional staff, and flexible and efficient scheduling. I started with no experience and was able to pass my private pilot check ride with no problem. The instructors are patient and professional and built my knowledge, skills, and confidence in a way that kept it light and fun the whole time."
"After having talked with several different flight schools and also several discovery flights, I chose US Flight Co because they were able to answer my questions and address my concerns with a unique approach rather than cookie cutter answers. They actually listened to me and adapted their training to fit my schedule. Whether you are going all the way to the airlines or just looking into a new hobby, US flight Co and the CFIs are genuinely interested in working with you as an individual."
"I started my aviation journey with US Flight Co last October and have been really pleased with the company as a whole, the administrative team, the instructors (S/O to Josh!!) and the pace of the program. About 8 months in, I'm preparing for my commercial check ride and hope to complete my CFI rating by next month."
"I am currently in the process of obtaining my private pilot's license at US Flight Co, and I couldn't be more impressed. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, making each lesson both informative and enjoyable. The training facilities are top-notch, and the aircraft are well-maintained and modern. I've felt a real sense of progress with every flight, and the team has created a welcoming atmosphere that fosters learning and confidence."
"Us Flight Co is a top flight school in Des Moines. I have been pursuing my private pilots license while finishing my senior year of high school. Because of navigating high school classes I was matched one on one with an instructor. This has been a great match and I appreciate the one on one learning I am receiving. US Flight CO's fleet of aircraft is diverse and expanding. As a student you have plenty of hours for flying and ground instruction. There is also flexibility to work with your school classes or employment hours."
"US Flight Co has been amazing with my aviation journey so far! Started flying at the end of 2024, currently working towards my instrument rating. They have been super flexible and easy to work with, considering I'm in the fast track program with a full time job. Instructors are safe, knowledgeable and fun to fly with. I look forward to continuing my aviation journey with them!"
"I Joined US flight Co about 10 hours into my PPL and have been with them since. My experience has been nothing but positive and they have far exceeded my expectations. They have great Instructors, reliable aircraft, great availability, and most importantly it's all at a very reasonable price. The instructor cadre are very clearly experts in their field and are passionate about ensuring their students are safe pilots and well prepared for their checkride. Aircraft rentals at US flight Co are well priced and well maintained. TLDR: Great people, fantastic instructors all at a reasonable price!"
"I have gone through other schools where I couldn't keep an instructor or the school didn't have their stuff together. US Flight Co has been the complete opposite - professional, organized, and committed to student success."
"Absolutely amazing crew of people. Great instructors who are all willing to help, even if they are not your primary instructor. Very relaxed environment and very personable people to train with. If you are looking for quality instruction look no further."
"Went on a discovery Flight here. Super nice facilities and Jaden my instructor was AMAZING! Would highly recommend. You can tell the instructors care and love their jobs! I wouldn't go anywhere else!"
"Having tried both flight schools based in Des Moines, I can honestly say this is the better of the two"
"I'm working to overcome a fear of flying! Jared has been more than helpful and patient with me. I highly recommend US Flight Co for anyone looking to overcome their fears or learn to fly!"
"I took part in the airline fast track program. It has been an incredibly fun and rewarding experience. I have worked with several CFIs and they are all top notch."
"Flight co has been super flexible with my schedule and has a great team of instructors who are very capable and knowledgeable. I had a great experience obtaining my private pilots license with them!"
The Fast Track Path: 5 Steps to Your CFI Career
Our proven path takes you from zero experience to certified flight instructor in 7-9 months
Master the Fundamentals
Private Pilot Certificate
Learn to safely operate an aircraft, master basic flight maneuvers, complete your first solo flight, and earn your first certificate.
- Fly yourself anywhere in the country
- Take friends and family on flights
- Command an aircraft solo with confidence
Precision Flight Mastery
Instrument Rating
Learn to fly through clouds and weather using only instruments. Master the skills that separate hobbyists from professionals.
- Navigate through any weather conditions
- Fly the same procedures airlines use
- Control the aircraft without seeing outside
Professional Flight Operations
Commercial Pilot Certificate
Become a professional pilot. Learn advanced maneuvers and operations required to fly for compensation.
- You're now a professional pilot
- Legally fly for compensation
- Master advanced maneuvers and precision
Instructor Certification
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Master the art of teaching flight. Develop advanced communication skills, deepen your aeronautical knowledge, and learn to recover from spins.
- Teach the next generation of pilots
- Start earning income immediately
- Build hours and experience
Start Your Career
Begin Instructing
Start teaching students, earning $26-30/hour, and building hours and experience. Your path is open, continue instructing, add ratings, or transition to corporate, charter, or airlines.
- Earn while you build hours
- Flexible schedule as a CFI
- Path to airlines, corporate, or charter when ready
Your Outcome: A Working CFI in Under a Year
Finish with your Private, Instrument, Commercial, and CFI certificates, then start teaching and earning $26-30/hour while you build hours. Want CFII, multi-engine, and the full airline pipeline instead? Compare it with the Fast Track Airline Program.
Everything You Need. One Complete Package
Your $69,495 investment includes every certification through CFI, 260 flight hours, all materials, and full support.
Private Pilot Certificate Months 1-3
Instrument Rating Months 3-5
Commercial Pilot Certificate Months 5-6
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Months 6-9
Flight Training Hours
Additional Benefits
Additional Benefits
Not Included: Sales tax, third-party FAA examiner & written-test fees, your FAA medical exam, and an iPad with ForeFlight subscription.
Investment in Your CFI Career
Complete zero-to-CFI training package with one fixed price
What's Included
Everything you need, in one fixed price
- Private Pilot Certificate - Single Engine
- Instrument Rating
- Commercial Pilot Certificate - Single Engine
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
- 260 logged flight hours (210 aircraft + 50 sim)
- All ground school courses and study materials
- Unlimited flight simulator access
- 1-on-1 instruction with full-time CFIs
- DPE checkride scheduling handled for you
Not included: sales tax and third-party fees paid directly to FAA examiners and testing centers (written exams & checkrides).
The Smartest Way to Start Your Flying Career
Instructing isn't just a job. It's the most proven, affordable way to build flight hours while getting paid, whether you're headed to the airlines or building a career in the air.
Get Paid to Fly
Instead of paying to rent aircraft, you earn $26-30/hour while logging the time you need. Hour-building pays you back.
Build Hours Fast
Full-time instructors build 800-1,000+ hours per year. Add CFII later to teach instrument students and earn even more.
Become a Sharper Pilot
Teaching forces mastery. Pilots who instruct walk into airline training stronger, with deeper systems and procedures knowledge.
From 1,500 Hours to the Flight Deck
Full-time instructing can build you to the 1,500-hour ATP minimum in as little as 18-24 months. Your CFI certificate makes you hireable at flight schools nationwide; to instruct here at US Flight Co, you'll add your CFII first (a quick add-on), and we prioritize our own graduates for those positions.
Your Questions Answered
Everything you need to know about the Fast Track CFI Program
"Why stop at CFI instead of going all the way to CFII and multi-engine?"
The Fast Track CFI is designed for pilots who want to start earning and building hours as quickly as possible. At $69,495 vs $94,995 for the full airline track, you save $25,500 upfront and start earning 2-3 months sooner. Once you're working as a CFI and building hours, you can add CFII ($5,000-8,000) or multi-engine time ($3,000-5,000) when you're ready financially. Many pilots prefer this "pay as you go" approach rather than financing everything upfront. You can always upgrade. The CFI certificate never expires.
"How much do CFIs actually make?"
At US Flight Co, we start CFIs at $26/hour and after getting CFII, you can earn up to $30/hour. Our top instructors earn up to $62,000 per year, but it depends on how many students you have and how busy you want to be. Some instructors supplement with another part-time job, while others fly full-time and build 800-1000 hours per year. The key benefit: you're earning while building hours and experience instead of paying to fly.
"What if I decide I want to go to the airlines later?"
The Fast Track CFI gives you all the foundation you need. When you're ready for the airlines, the main addition is your multi-engine rating, and most pilots add it while they're already instructing and earning. By the time you approach 1,500 hours, you'll have the experience and the income to take that step. Many pilots prefer this approach: get certified, start earning, then upgrade when it makes sense. You're not locked into anything.
"Can I really finish in 7-9 months?"
Yes, with full-time commitment of 5-7 flight lessons per week plus ground school and study time. The Fast Track CFI is actually faster than the full airline track because you're not adding multi-engine and CFII. Our fastest CFI graduates have finished in under 7 months. If you need to train part-time around work, expect 12-18 months, which is still faster than traditional training at other schools.
"Will I have enough students to actually build hours?"
Demand for flight training remains strong: Boeing projects the industry will need 660,000 new pilots by 2044, and every one of them starts with a flight instructor. At US Flight Co, our CFIs typically have full schedules, and we prioritize our own graduates for instructor positions. One note: instructing at US Flight Co requires adding your CFII first (a quick add-on), and many of our Fast Track grads do exactly that, instructing with us while building toward 1,500 hours.
"What if I don't want to go to the airlines at all?"
Perfect, the Fast Track CFI is ideal for you! Many pilots become CFIs because they love teaching, want flexible schedules, or prefer the lifestyle over airline flying. Others use CFI hours to transition to corporate flying, charter operations, or single-pilot turboprop jobs (like flying for small corporations). The 1,500-hour ATP requirement only applies to scheduled airlines. Corporate and charter jobs often hire at lower hours. Your CFI certificate opens doors beyond the airlines.
"What's included in the $69,495?"
Everything from zero to CFI: Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, and CFI certificates. You get 260 flight hours (210 aircraft + 50 simulator), all ground school courses, study materials, headset, flight bag, and supplies. The only extras are sales tax, third-party FAA examiner and written-test fees, your FAA medical exam, and an iPad with ForeFlight. There are no hidden costs or surprise fees: $69,495 is your complete investment.
Still have questions?
Ready to Go From Zero to CFI?
New classes start monthly and seats are limited. Take a discovery flight or talk to admissions today.