The next level in the normal sequence of certificates and ratings for pilots who select a commercial airline career, is the certificated flight instructor (CFI) rating. Although the commercial pilot certificate does allow flight for hire, it is usually the flight instructor who first finds work in the flying field. Even a brand new CFI is immediately employable, since flight instructors are in continual demand. Additionally, CFI's build valuable command time whenever they are flying with a student pilot. Thus, this certificate is usually the key to progression within a civilian flying career. The new CFI is building important experience, while being paid to fly by someone else. There are few career CFI's, but most airline pilots have passed through this career briefly enroute to the jet cockpit.

At Tech our minimum flying hours for this rating 44 hours. Tech requires 10 hours of practice flight instruction. The commercial license is a prerequisite. During this phase of training, the student learns the skills of precision flying along with basic teaching techniques. Since a flight instructor is a commercial pilot, a Class II medical certificate is required. The aggressive Tech student will complete this rating by the senior year and will possibly be selected as a Tech flight instructor.

Instructor Rating Requirements

• Completion of PA 414, 419, and 411
• 2nd Class Medical Certificate
• Completion of FAA Written
• Pass FAA Written Exam 
• Pass Final Flight Check
• Oral Exam and Flight Check
• Instructor Ground School
• Practice Teaching
• Fundamentals of Instruction
• Flight Instructor Exam

Minumum Flight Times

Dual Flight            20  Hours
Solo Flight            24  Hours