Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is one of the most rewarding and practical steps in a pilot’s career. It allows you to share your knowledge, inspire new aviators, and build valuable flight time — all while refining your own skills in the cockpit.
At Beyond Aviation, our CFI program is designed to help you transition from skilled pilot to confident educator. You’ll train with experienced instructors who will prepare you for both the teaching and flying aspects of this next stage in your aviation journey. Many of our CFIs go on to build hours toward airline or corporate positions while shaping the pilots who follow in their footsteps.
Beyond Aviation’s CFI program combines the professionalism of airline training with the personal mentorship of a small flight school. You’ll graduate not only as a qualified instructor but as a leader and mentor in aviation.
As a CFI candidate, you’ll master the art of instruction — both in the classroom and in the air. Training includes:
Our instructors emphasize confidence, precision, and professionalism — giving you the tools to become the kind of instructor you’ve always wanted to learn from.
Prerequisite:
Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating
You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Instrument Rating before beginning CFI training.
Timelines vary depending on your schedule, but most students complete their CFI in 2–4 months. Beyond Aviation works closely with examiners to streamline the process and keep checkride wait times to a minimum.
You’ll fly from the right seat, mastering commercial maneuvers while learning to effectively teach from a new perspective. Training also includes oral exam preparation, FAA regulations, lesson development, and classroom teaching techniques.
As a CFI, you can be paid to provide instruction to Private and Commercial students in single-engine aircraft. To train instrument students, you’ll need to add a CFII rating, and to instruct in multi-engine aircraft, you’ll need a MEI certificate.
CFIs must renew every 24 months by completing a Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC), taking a proficiency check with a Designated Pilot Examiner, or demonstrating successful student endorsements (five student checkrides within the renewal period).
