Become a Certified Flight Instructor

Start your pilot career after achieving your commercial certificate

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Why Become a CFI?

The primary reason pilots choose to become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is the pursuit of experience and the accrual of flight hours. In the aviation industry, especially for highly sought roles like commercial airline pilots, meeting ATP minimums and specific flight hours is required. Many pilots opt for flight instruction as their first pilot job which offers rapid progress in flight time accumulation. Guiding students in the art of safe and proficient aircraft operation not only imparts essential skills but also solidifies the knowledge garnered during your personal flight training journey. Over time, flight instructors become seasoned aviators, proficiently equipped to both train and endorse fellow pilots for FAA practical evaluations.

Begin your pilot career at Ideal Aviation

Ideal Aviation CFI with a student who just passed their private pilot checkride

How to Become a Certified Flight Instructor?

Meeting the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR/AIM) requirements is essential on the path to becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) at Ideal Aviation. To obtain your instructor's certificate, aspiring CFIs must hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate and have logged a minimum of 250 flight hours, including specific experience in different aircraft categories. Successful completion of a CFI ground school and passing the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) knowledge test are also crucial milestones. At Ideal Aviation, we provide structured training to ensure you meet these requirements and equip you with the teaching skills and aviation expertise needed to inspire and mentor future pilots.

Choose Ideal Aviation and Begin Your Certified Flight Instructor Training Today

Ideal Aviation is the place for pilots becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). Our staff and team of seasoned CFI professionals provides unparalleled mentorship and support, ensuring you receive the best guidance on your journey to your CFI certification. Our modern fleet of well maintained aircraft is specially equipped to meet the demands of CFI training. Located conveniently near downtown St. Louis, Ideal Aviation offers easy access for local and visiting candidates. Join Ideal Aviation, where our commitment to CFI excellence becomes your key to a successful career in aviation education.

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Ideal Aviation Alumni in front of plane

What Are the Eligibility Requirements to Become a CFI?

Requirements:

  • Must be minimum age of 18.
  • Possess a strong command of the English language, ensuring your ability to read, speak, write, and understand effectively.
  • Hold either a commercial pilot certificate or an airline transport pilot certificate with an instrument rating.
  • Accumulate a minimum of 250 flight hours
  • Secure a valid FAA 3rd Class Medical Certificate or a higher class.
  • Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor.
  • Pass a knowledge and practical test to demonstrate your proficiency in aeronautical knowledge areas relevant to the flight instructor rating you're pursuing.

Reference 14 CFR §61.183 for the entire list of eligibility requirements.

Your Pilot Career at Ideal Aviation

Fill out the form to get started. We'll reach out to you and pair you up with an instructor. Ideal Aviation is the place for pilots to get their CFI certification in the St. Louis area.

Ideal Aviation CFI right after he passed his CFII checkride
Ideal Aviation CFI right after he passed his CFII checkride

What Our Students Say

I did a discovery flight with Steve. He was incredibly welcoming, positive, optimistic, encouraging, all the good stuff. The facilities were great, the aircraft in great shape.

Alex A

★★★★★

Had a discovery flight today with Micheal. It was a wonderful experience I definitely recommend it!

Natalia V

★★★★★

I love flying at Ideal and it's a truly wonderful flight school!

Stacie S

★★★★★

The people that work there are very nice and helpful And make it a very relaxing atmosphere

Don B

★★★★★

Great instructors, nice facilities. Highly recommended

Blake V

★★★★★

I did a discovery flight with Steve. He was incredibly welcoming, positive, optimistic, encouraging, all the good stuff. The facilities were great, the aircraft in great shape.

Alex A

★★★★★

Had a discovery flight today with Micheal. It was a wonderful experience I definitely recommend it!

Natalia V

★★★★★

I love flying at Ideal and it's a truly wonderful flight school!

Stacie S

★★★★★

The people that work there are very nice and helpful And make it a very relaxing atmosphere

Don B

★★★★★

Great instructors, nice facilities. Highly recommended

Blake V

★★★★★

We are the flight training experts of St. Louis

The Ideal Aviation family comes from a long history of aviation in St. Louis. Dating back to the 1980's Ideal Aviation has been helping pilots earn their wings.

Next steps

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Join the thousands of students that have walked through the doors at Ideal Aviation

SCHEDULE A TIME TO TALK TO OUR TEAM

Let's discuss how we can help you achieve your aviation goals. Explore what the requirements are and what it takes to become a pilot. Click the big red button to schedule a time to speak with one of our team members

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