Relay-Version: B 2.11 6/12/87; site scorn Path: uunet!aplcen!uakari.primate.wisc.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!mips!apple!agate!riacs!shelby!glenn@shasta.Stanford.EDU From: glenn@shasta.Stanford.EDU (glenn) Newsgroups: rec.aviation Subject: Re: CFI question Summary: $$$ and woik Message-ID: <9@shasta.stanford.edu> Date: Wed, 16 May 90 23:52:12 PDT References: <31600020@bucc2> <13768.2651789f@max.u.washington.edu> Sender: glenn@shasta.Stanford.EDU (gLENN Inn @ Stanfreud=) Reply-To: glenn@shasta.UUCP (gLENN Inn @ Stanfreud=) Organization: Stanford University Lines: 122 In article <31600020@bucc2>, chud@bucc2.UUCP asks what it takes to become a CFI given the all-important commercial certificate. In article <13768.2651789f@max.u.washington.edu> fransson@max.u.washington.edu writes: I myself have asked that question of a number of CFIs I know (wondering if I >can afford the comm. AND CFI this summer). >It seems most of the time is ground time spent learning how to teach the subject matter in a number of different ways. One person in particular spent about 10 hours flying, mostly to adjust to flying from the right seat. Total cost for her was about $500. Another estimate I heard went as high as $1000. As with >any other rating, it all depends on the individual. In the last 6 months, I've seen more than the usual/avg# of Certified Flight Instructor ratings come through the Golden Gate Aviation doors (at SQL). Perhaps there's a CFI-virus in the air, and ev'rybody's catching it?? this IS a good question -- as a CFI rating is a common way for the primal-airline pilot to "build time"... "So let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start... when you read you begin with A B C, when you sing you begin with DO RE MI" Pulling out my AOPA 1988 Pilot's Guide: FAR Part 61 (which as a CFI, you should know deals with the regulations concerning qualifications for Airmen/Ratings): ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible for a CFI you must be at least 18 yrs old (I suspect that most of the readers here are--though you never know who's loiking out there), read/write/converse in English, possess a Com'l Class with Instrument Rating Airman's Certificate. To qualify for a Commercial Pilot Certificate, you must have a total flight time of at least 250 Hrs (let's ignore Part 141). (which by rule of thumb will have cost you very roughly ~$12,500) There is NO additional minimum flight-time experience requirement for the vanilla flight instructor rating! However... KNOWLEDGE: A CFI applicant must possess an "above average" comprehension of Aerodynamics as well as aircraft technology. Just think... remember those weird, off-the-wall, questions that you asked YOUR primary Instructor? Now it's YOUR turn to have to learn the answers to them! P-) You will demonstrate comprehension of this subject area by passing an FAA written examination: light nstructor irplane (FIA). This test is a rehash of the Private and Com'l subjects with some additional Aerodynamics-related questions. There may be IFR questions (I can't remember...) You will need additional Instruction in the "Learning Process" -- and must demonstrate comprehension by passing a FAA written examination: undamentals f nstruction (FOI). This test will feel out-of-place as it will have virtually nothing to do with the "techy" side of flying. NOTE: If you possess a valid teaching credential, or can show appropriate teaching experience, you may waive this test requirement. FLIGHT EXPERIENCE: As I mentioned before, there is NO required minimum time of instruction received for the flight instructor rating. You WILL be held liable for being able to execute, demonstrate as in an instructional environment, and finally, CRITIQUE every maneuver required for BOTH the Private AND Commercial Pilot Certificates. The HITCH: While demonstrating proficiency in Com'l flight maneuvers may be very easy for a newly certificated Com'l pilot attempting to earn the CFI -- these maneuvers will need to be executed from the RIGHT seat. You've been patting your head with your left hand, and rubbing your tummy with the right -- wait -- now reverse it! The last 4 or 5 CFI candidates took approximately 10-12 Hrs to be able to comfortably execute the maneuvers from the Right as well as be able to critique the "dumb student pilot ". The HITCH #2: As far as flight instruction logged by you towards the CFI rating goes -- the CFI who trains you must have certain experience minima: 200 hrs logged of Flight Instruction, AND have possessed a CFI rating for at least 24 months. these requirements reduce the potential CFI pool somewhat. NOTE: Hitch #2 only pertains to FLIGHT instruction. A newly ordained CFI can work with you and sign you off for all the writtens. (However, only an AGI, dvanced round nstructor, can sign off for the writtens) Additionally -- you will need to demonstrate ability to fly & instruct in High-Performance Aircraft... A typical checkride may involve flying both an Archer and an Arrow. I personally find it difficult to believe that an individual flew for 10 hrs and only $500 to get her CFI. (that's not to say that it is impossible) Here's a typical Golden Gate applicant's flight breakdown (based upon 10 hrs flight time): 12 hrs Ground Instr ( $30/Hr ): $360 6 Hrs Flight Instr ( $30/Hr ): $180 6 Hrs Simple Trainer ( $60/Hr): $360 4 Hrs Hi-Perf Plane ( $90/Hr): $360 ------------------------------------- Hourly Expense Totals: $1260 Misc Books + Test Fees: $ 300 ------------------------------------- looks like: $1560 In my view, this total is somewhat optimistic as I recall folks saying that around ~$2K is reasonable.... your figures may vary, check with the dealer. Hope this was helpful... gLENN