FAA Flight Instructor (CFI) & Instrument Instructor (CFII) — Part 141 Training
Become a professional instructor and add instrument‑instruction privileges. Our Part 141 program integrates on‑site ground school, lesson plan development, and right‑seat flight training with stage checks to prepare you for the FOI, CFI, and CFII tests.
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CFI vs. CFII — What’s the Difference?
CFI (Airplane) authorizes you to teach VFR primary and commercial students; CFII adds the privilege to teach instrument students under IFR. Many candidates complete CFI first, then add CFII shortly after.
Training Locations
Miami, Florida • Corona (Los Angeles), California • Van Nuys (Los Angeles), California
Quick Facts
- Part 141 structured syllabus with stage checks
- On‑site classroom sessions & mock orals
- Right‑seat proficiency and standardized lesson plans
- Prep for FOI, CFI, and CFII practical tests
CFI Theoretical Training — Part 141 (On‑Site)
For Part 141: Theoretical instruction is conducted simultaneously with flight training. Students can choose between group classes or individual one‑to‑one classes for theory on‑site.
- FOI: human factors, learning, evaluation & testing
- Aeronautical knowledge for teaching: regs, aero, systems, performance
- Lesson plan development & standardization
- Endorsements, IACRA & record‑keeping
- Spin awareness & stall/spin teaching techniques
CFI Knowledge Tests
Targeted prep for the FOI and CFI Airplane knowledge tests and the CFI oral exam, using stage quizzes and mock orals.
CFII Theoretical Training — Part 141 (On‑Site)
Builds on CFI to develop instrument‑instruction expertise aligned with the ACS.
- IFR regulations, clearances & ATC system
- Instrument navigation (VOR/LOC/GS, DME, GPS/RNAV) & holding
- Approach plate briefing, missed approach & circling (as authorized)
- Weather products & IFR decision‑making for instructional scenarios
- Right‑seat instrument teaching techniques & common errors
CFII Knowledge Test
Focused prep for the CFII Airplane knowledge test and the CFII oral, with scenario‑based mock evaluations.
Flight Training — CFI (Part 141)
Develop right‑seat proficiency: brief, demonstrate, and evaluate all maneuvers to ACS standards.
- Right‑seat takeoffs/landings, slips, go‑arounds
- Performance & ground reference maneuvers (demo + critique)
- Emergency procedures & risk management (ADM/SRM)
- Spin training/endorsement (per syllabus & aircraft)
- Scenario‑based flights & stage checks
CFI Practical Test
Extensive oral exam and flight test with a DPE; upon passing, you’ll hold CFI (ASEL).
Flight Training — CFII (Part 141)
Master right‑seat instrument instruction and IFR risk management.
- Holds, intercepts, and tracking
- Precision & non‑precision approaches (ILS, LOC, VOR, RNAV/GPS)
- Partial‑panel & unusual attitudes (simulated failures)
- IFR departures/arrivals, missed approach & circling (as authorized)
- Instrument cross‑country (≥100 NM) with multiple approaches
CFII Practical Test
Evaluates instrument‑instruction knowledge and right‑seat IFR proficiency. Passing adds CFII to your instructor certificate.
Entry Requirements & FAA Minimums
Part 141 regulatory requirements and prerequisites for CFI/CFII certification
FAA Part 141 Minimum Training Requirements
| Type of Training | Initial Flight Instructor (CFI) | Additional Flight Instructor Rating (CFII) |
|---|---|---|
| Ground (aeronautical knowledge) | 40 hours minimum | 20 hours minimum |
| Flight training | 25 hours minimum (for airplane, rotorcraft, or powered-lift category) |
15 hours minimum (instrument instruction in aircraft) |
Source: 14 CFR 141.79 – Flight training requirements. Actual training time may exceed minimums based on individual proficiency and stage check requirements.
Prerequisites for CFI
- FAA Commercial Pilot (ASEL) certificate
- Valid medical certificate (Class 2 recommended)
- English proficiency
- Recent flight experience per 61.57
- Meet aeronautical experience requirements of 61.183
Prerequisites for CFII
- CFI (ASEL) certificate
- Instrument Rating (Airplane)
- Current IFR proficiency strongly recommended
- Meet instrument experience requirements
Required Documents
- Government-issued photo ID/passport
- Pilot certificate and medical certificate
- Logbook with required experience
- IACRA account access
- Visa support available for international students
Training Locations
Miami, Florida
Part 141 CFI/CFII with on‑site ground & flight training.
Corona (Los Angeles), California
Year‑round weather for consistent instructor training.
Van Nuys (Los Angeles), California
Busy LA airspace ideal for IFR instruction scenarios.
Talk to a Flight Training Consultant
Ask about class schedules, right‑seat standardization, and base availability for CFI and CFII under Part 141.
- Personalized CFI/CFII training plan
- Next available class/flight slots
- Document & visa guidance for international students