Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Become a Certified Flight Instructor and share your passion for aviation. CFI is the most common way pilots build hours toward airline careers while getting paid to fly.
- Get paid to fly
- Build hours fast
- Path to airlines
- Deepen your skills
What Can You Do as a Flight Instructor?
CFI certification opens doors to paid flying and accelerated career growth
Get Paid to Fly
Earn money while building flight hours. CFIs typically earn $25-50/hour while accumulating the experience airlines require.
Build Hours Fast
Full-time instructors can log 800-1,200 hours per year. Reach airline minimums faster than any other entry-level flying job.
Master Your Craft
Teaching reinforces your own knowledge and skills. The best pilots often say they learned the most while instructing.
Airline Foundation
Most airline pilots started as CFIs. The skills you develop—communication, judgment, handling emergencies—are invaluable.
Give the Gift of Flight
There's nothing like the moment a student solos or passes their checkride. You'll change lives and create fellow aviators.
Flexible Career
Work full-time, part-time, or on your own schedule. Many CFIs instruct while pursuing other aviation opportunities.
Requirements & Prerequisites
Here's what you need to become a Certified Flight Instructor
Pilot Certificates
- Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate (or ATP)
- Hold an Instrument Rating
Flight Experience
- 250 hours total flight time
- Meets Commercial Pilot requirements
Knowledge Requirements
- Pass FAA Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) written
- Pass FAA Flight Instructor Airplane written
Medical & Age
- 18 years old minimum
- At least Third-Class Medical Certificate
Most students pursue CFI immediately after Commercial to start building hours while the checkride maneuvers are fresh.
What's Included in Your Training
Learn to teach flying effectively and safely
Ground School
The art and science of teaching
- Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI)
- Learning theory and techniques
- Lesson planning and syllabus design
- Risk management instruction
- Endorsements and regulations
- Teaching methodologies
Flight Training
Learn to teach from the right seat
- Right seat flying proficiency
- Demonstration techniques
- Common student errors
- Teaching maneuvers and procedures
- Emergency scenario instruction
- Spin training and endorsement
Checkride Prep
Prepare for the demanding CFI checkride
- Written exams (FOI & FIA)
- Extensive oral preparation
- Lesson plan development
- Mock checkrides
- Teaching demonstrations
Key Milestones
Written Exams
Week 1-2Pass FOI and FIA knowledge tests
Right Seat Proficiency
10-15 hoursMaster flying from instructor's seat
Spin Training
15-20 hoursComplete spin endorsement
Checkride
25-40 hoursPass your CFI practical test
Transparent Pricing
An investment that pays for itself quickly
Flight Training
$7,650Ground Training
$1,625Materials & Fees
$1,900CFI training costs vary based on prior proficiency and how much preparation you do independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about becoming a CFI
How long does it take to get a CFI certificate?
Most students complete CFI training in 4-8 weeks with dedicated study and flying. The timeline depends on how much ground preparation you do independently and your proficiency with maneuvers from the right seat.
Is the CFI checkride really the hardest?
It's certainly one of the most demanding. The oral portion can last 4-6 hours, and you must demonstrate the ability to teach, not just perform. However, with proper preparation, our students have an excellent pass rate.
Can I work here after getting my CFI?
Yes! We're always looking for quality instructors. Many of our CFI graduates join our team after certification. It's a great way to build hours in a supportive environment with students you already know.
How much can I earn as a CFI?
CFI pay varies by location and employer. Typical rates are $25-50/hour for instruction time. Full-time instructors working 30-40 instructional hours per week can earn $40,000-70,000 annually while building 800+ hours per year.
Do I need to teach right away after getting my CFI?
No, but instructing is the most effective way to build hours toward airline minimums. The skills stay fresh if you start teaching soon after your checkride. Many pilots instruct part-time while pursuing other opportunities.
What's the difference between CFI and CFII?
CFI allows you to teach Private and Commercial students in VFR conditions. CFII (Instrument Instructor) allows you to teach instrument students. Most instructors get both since instrument students are a significant portion of the student population.
How many hours will I build as an instructor?
Full-time instructors typically log 800-1,200 hours per year. At that rate, you can reach the 1,500-hour ATP minimum in 18-24 months. Part-time instructors build fewer hours but still progress steadily.
Do I need spin training for CFI?
Yes. CFI applicants must receive spin training and a logbook endorsement. You'll learn spin entry, recognition, and recovery techniques. This is included in our CFI program.
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!"
Free CFI Planning Session
Tell us your certificates, hours, and goals. An instructor will reach out within one business day to map your fastest path to the CFI checkride.
How We Can Help
- Get your questions answered by a real pilot
- Schedule a tour of our facility at KDSM
- Map out your training timeline and costs
- Talk through financing options
Connect With Admissions
We'll reach out within one business day
Ready to Teach? Let's Plan Your CFI
Schedule a consultation to start your CFI journey
Let's review your certificates, discuss your career goals, and create a plan to get you certified and instructing as quickly as possible.
- Review certificates & experience
- Discuss career goals
- Create training timeline
- Answer your questions
Most of our CFI graduates end up instructing for us. Ask about instructor opportunities!