Whether you’re just beginning your teaching career or adding advanced instructional ratings, our team of experienced instructors will guide you every step of the way.
Becoming a flight instructor is not only one of the most rewarding steps in your aviation career, it’s also one of the most practical. Many commercial pilots earn their instructor certificates as the fastest, most cost-effective way to build flight hours toward airline or corporate jobs — all while refining their own skills and sharing their love of aviation with others.
Are you ready to start passing on your knowledge and passion for aviation?
The Certified Flight Instructor Certificate opens the door to professional flight instruction, allowing you to teach new pilots while continuing to sharpen your own skills.
Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating
You’ll need to be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Instrument Rating before starting your CFI training.
The timeline depends on your schedule and flight frequency. Highly motivated students often complete the CFI in 2–4 months. While the FAA process can sometimes add a bit of waiting time before the checkride, Rich Aviation Services works closely with examiners to keep things moving as efficiently as possible.
Your CFI training covers all commercial maneuvers from the right seat (the instructor’s seat), including chandelles, lazy 8s, steep spirals, and stalls. One of the biggest challenges is adjusting your muscle memory to fly from the right seat — but with practice and support from our instructors, you’ll adapt quickly. You’ll also focus heavily on oral exam preparation, sharpening your instructional skills so you’re confident both teaching and flying.
As a CFI, you can be paid to instruct and you’re authorized to teach both 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 an MEI certificate.
CFIs must renew every 24 months. This can be done by completing a Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC), taking a proficiency check with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), or by showing evidence of successfully endorsing at least five student checkrides during that period.
Ready to improve your skills and capabilities as an instructor?
Adding an Instrument Instructor Rating allows you to train pilots under instrument flight rules (IFR), enhancing both your value as an instructor and the safety of your students.
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Certificate
The timeline varies based on weather, flight frequency, and study habits. Most students complete their CFII in about 10–15 hours of dual instruction and are ready within 1–2 months when flying regularly and staying on top of their ground study.
Your training combines simulator sessions with flight training “under the hood.” You’ll refine IFR skills, practice advanced approaches, and develop techniques for teaching instrument students with clarity and confidence. On average, this involves around 15 hours of flight and sim time, but the focus is always on training to proficiency, not just hours logged.
Earning your CFII resets the validity of your CFI certificate for another 24 calendar months. If you’re actively training instrument students in actual instrument conditions, you’ll also need to remain instrument current yourself. Rich Aviation Services will help you stay sharp and maintain the proficiency needed to keep teaching effectively.
Looking to double your capabilities and range as an instructor?
The MEI rating allows you to train students in multi-engine aircraft, making you a more versatile instructor while expanding your own flying opportunities.
Commercial Multi-Engine Pilot Certificate Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Certificate
The MEI expands your instructional privileges to include multi-engine aircraft, making you a more versatile and marketable instructor. It also gives you valuable experience toward advanced certificates such as the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP).
Training is conducted under Part 61 and follows a “train to proficiency” model. While you must have at least 15 hours of pilot-in-command time in a multi-engine aircraft, the total training time depends on your proficiency level and flight frequency. Many students complete the MEI in just a few weeks.
You’ll learn how to teach the added complexities of multi-engine operations, including normal procedures, performance considerations, and emergency scenarios such as engine-out training. Instruction includes both simulator sessions and hands-on training in Rich Aviation’s multi-engine aircraft.
Like other flight instructor certificates, your MEI must be renewed every 24 calendar months. Renewal can be accomplished through a proficiency check, a Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC), or by documenting successful student endorsements during that period.
