Cfi practical test training

dr650

dr650

Well-Known Member
I'm working on my commercial right now and would like to start preparing for my CFI as well. I am wondering what CFI's would recommend to pass the test (knowledge as well as the practical). Let me know your suggestions on books, dvds (kings, sportys), and online courses. Thanks
 
In short, the FAA books are great and all you really need and be just fine with.
You probably already own some of them.
 
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
Airplane Flying Handbook
Aviation Instructor's Handbook
CFI Oral Prep Guide by ASA
POH for your particular airplane

The search function on this site or google will give you good results too. Good Luck!
 
Take a look at the front of the CFI PTS. There is a list of AC's that should be used as refrence material. The FAA's way of giving you all the answers in advance.
 
Douglas said:
In short, the FAA books are great and all you really need and be just fine with.
You probably already own some of them.
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Hi guys,

Even if you don't own them, all FAA publications, including the ones Brew listed and all of the PTS guides are available FREE on teh intrawebz from the FAA itself in PDF format:

http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/

Practical Test Standards can be found here:

http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/airmen/test_standards/

I keep all the books and PTS on a flash drive.

Richman
 
Take the FIA (Flight Instructor Aircraft) right after you take the commercial written. Take a skim through the book but they are practically identical and you have 2 years to get your CFI after you take it which should be enough time.

Also get started early and talk your way out loud through every single maneuver that you do during your commercial. Not only will this improve (might take a couple extra flights) your performance of that maneuver, but when you start going for CFI you will basically do the same thing but from the right seat. If you don't start now then when you go for your CFI you will have to talk out loud and explain what you are doing and when as well as have to learn them from the right seat. In my opinion, why wait?

Oh and don't stop there, talk your way through everything, talk the whole flight as though you were teaching your instructor. If you explain to him/her that you are going for your CFI after all that talking is just good practice for getting into a teaching mindset.

Finally, if you really want to go over the top see my post on continuing your education through reading. The books recommended there are great starts for up and coming instructors because they remind you of the basics that you forgot and now do naturally through your upgrade process.

Aside from that you will have to take the FOI (Fundamentals of Instruction) which just requires purchasing the book.

Good luck bud and enjoy it!

PS always remember to emphasis safety on each flight and think safety (clearing turns, looking for traffic at intersections ground and air, etc) the FAA loves that for good reason.
 
Thank you thank you thank you, i'll be sure to get a few of these titles soon and start studying!
 
Do me a favor if you don't mind, whenever you get done with your CFI let me know which of those books you read and how helpful all of that was. I am working on some things on the side and kind of need as much feedback as I can get. Thanks and your welcome :)

PS Sorry I cannot go into more details as I have nothing copyrighted yet :(
 
One great book for aspiring CFI's is :

"The Flight Instructor Manual" by Mr. Kershner. Available for $20.00 +S/H in it's fouth edition. PM for details.
You will quickly notice that the PTS and some FAA Pubs are derived from his book. You will spend some time laughing, as he used to have a tremendous way of making some of these subjects nice to read and interesting.

Another one I just got:
Bridgette Doremire just came out with the "Flight Instructor Notebook". I believe, I own the second copy off the press. Available from Qref.

Fly your complete commercial from the right seat. Talk. If you have any chance, and a patient enough instructor, teach your instructor during maneuvers - and do the same with your DPE during your Commercial CR.

Have fun!
 
All of the books posted above are great publications.
Im currently doing my CFI as well and these are the list of books i am using.

FAR/AIM
Airplane Flying Handbook
Aviation Instructor's Handbook
Gleim Fundamentals of Instruction
Gleim CFI Test Booklet
ASA Practical Oral Exam Guide (CFI, Private and Commercial)
ASA Pratical Test Standards (CFI, Private and Commercial)
 
Cessna414JJB said:
One great book for aspiring CFI's is :

"The Flight Instructor Manual" by Mr. Kershner. Available for $20.00 +S/H in it's fouth edition. PM for details.
You will quickly notice that the PTS and some FAA Pubs are derived from his book. You will spend some time laughing, as he used to have a tremendous way of making some of these subjects nice to read and interesting.

Another one I just got:
Bridgette Doremire just came out with the "Flight Instructor Notebook". I believe, I own the second copy off the press. Available from Qref.

Fly your complete commercial from the right seat. Talk. If you have any chance, and a patient enough instructor, teach your instructor during maneuvers - and do the same with your DPE during your Commercial CR.

Have fun!
Click to expand...

Bought the Kershner book, and really liked it. Though it seemed to me that it would be better used as a reference once you become a CFI rather than whilst training to become a CFI.
 
Hubbs said:
Bought the Kershner book, and really liked it. Though it seemed to me that it would be better used as a reference once you become a CFI rather than whilst training to become a CFI.
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When you work on your CFI you will be doing a lot of "instruction" I found the book very helpful in developing some initial ideas on how to teach a subject. I think you will find it useful in your training and developing lesson plans.
 
Hubbs said:
Bought the Kershner book, and really liked it. Though it seemed to me that it would be better used as a reference once you become a CFI rather than whilst training to become a CFI.
Click to expand...

The Kershner book is more of a how to teach a maneuver book than it is a knowledge book. I love it when I am having difficulty teaching something. It is a must book IMO.

Rob
 
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