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The CFI and CFII are the last ratings in Rookie — Level I ($92,901 standard), after the Commercial Pilot License and the multi-engine rating.
The instructor certificate in brief
Flight Instructor (CFI and CFII) in Miami
The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate lets you teach others to fly, and the instrument instructor rating (CFII) lets you teach instrument flying. The FAA requires a commercial certificate and an instrument rating first, two knowledge tests and a practical test (14 CFR 61.183). Both are part of Rookie — Level I.
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CPL + IR first You must hold a commercial certificate and an instrument rating (61.183(c)). -
Age 18 Minimum age for the flight instructor certificate (61.183(a)). -
1,500 h ATP Instructing is one way to build time toward the airline transport pilot certificate.
CFI requirements
14 CFR 61.183 requires you to:
- Be at least 18 and read, speak, write and understand English.
- Hold a commercial or ATP certificate with the airplane category and class rating, and an instrument rating.
- Pass two knowledge tests: fundamentals of instructing (FOI), unless exempt, and flight instructor aeronautical knowledge (61.185).
- Receive flight training on the instructor areas of operation and an endorsement (61.187).
- Get a spin-training endorsement for the airplane rating (61.183(i)).
- Pass the practical test with an FAA examiner.
The CFII adds the instrument instructor rating, with its own knowledge and practical tests; it requires the instrument rating on your pilot certificate.
Instructor certificates at a glance
| Item | FAA rule | What it requires |
|---|---|---|
| CFI — airplane single-engine | 14 CFR 61.183 | Commercial certificate and instrument rating, FOI and CFI knowledge tests, spin endorsement, practical test |
| CFII — instrument instructor | 14 CFR 61.183, 61.187 | Instrument rating, instrument instructor knowledge test and practical test |
| ATP certificate | 14 CFR 61.159 | Generally 1,500 h total flight time |
| Restricted ATP | 14 CFR 61.160 | Fewer hours for some graduates and military pilots |
The FAA sets no minimum hours for the CFI beyond holding the commercial certificate.
How the CFI and CFII fit the Airline Career Pathway
After the CFII, many pilots build flight time by instructing until they meet the ATP minimums. Alpha does not guarantee employment or hours.
Already licensed?
FAA commercial pilots start at Level III ($44,525 standard): CFI, CFII and ATP-CTP. FAA CFI and CFII holders start at Level IV ($41,556 standard): multi-engine instructor (MEI), a standardization course and ATP-CTP. See the cost guide.
Working in the U.S.
Instructing in the U.S. requires work authorization. M-1 students may apply for limited practical training after completing their program (8 CFR 214.2(m)(14)). Confirm your case with the school that issued your I-20; Alpha does not provide legal advice.
Flight instructor: frequently asked questions
What do I need before I can train for the CFI?
A commercial pilot (or ATP) certificate with an airplane rating and an instrument rating, age 18 and English proficiency (14 CFR 61.183). In Rookie — Level I, the CFI comes after the commercial and multi-engine stages.
What is the difference between a CFI and a CFII?
The CFI certificate lets you give flight training toward private and commercial certificates. The CFII is an instrument instructor rating added to it, which lets you give instrument training toward the instrument rating. Each has its own knowledge and practical tests.
Which written tests does the CFI require?
Two: the fundamentals of instructing (FOI) test, unless you are exempt, and the flight instructor aeronautical knowledge test (14 CFR 61.183, 61.185). The CFII adds the instrument instructor knowledge test.
Can I work as a flight instructor in the U.S. on an M-1 visa?
Working in the U.S. requires work authorization. M-1 students may apply for limited practical training after completing their course of study (8 CFR 214.2(m)(14)). Confirm your case with the designated school official of the school that issued your I-20 and qualified counsel; Alpha does not provide legal advice.
I am already a CFI and CFII. Which level applies?
Level IV, for FAA CFI and CFII holders: $41,556 standard, with the multi-engine instructor rating (MEI), a standardization course and the ATP-CTP. Admissions reviews your certificates and logbook to confirm it — see the cost guide.
Other programs in the Airline Career Pathway
- Rookie — Level I: FAA training from zero — the full Level I path, from no license to CFII
- Private Pilot License (PPL) — 40-hour FAA minimum, the first certificate
- Instrument Rating (IR) — flying in clouds under IFR
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL) — 250-hour FAA minimum, flying for pay
- Multi-Engine Rating (MEL) — the class rating airlines fly
Related guides
- All programs and how the pathway works
- FAA pilot training cost in Miami by level
- FAA Part 61 training in Miami for Latin American students
- Aviation English course
Questions about your case? Contact admissions in English or Spanish.