How long to get my CFI-A?

kevmor99

kevmor99

Well-Known Member
How many hours can I estimate to get my CFI-A? I'm just about finished with my spin endorsement and am looking at getting instruction in a C-150 (I own) and then transitioning to an Arrow (I don't have any time in Pipers besides the Seminole for my multi). I plan to do as much self-study as possible and start working on all my lesson plans. Should I attempt to do the practical test using the 150 and only the Arrow for demonstrating the complex?
 
Just do it all in the arrow. Its not that much stuff and its just easier. What did you do your commecial in? Really shouldn't take you more than 5-10 hours of prep time in the arrow.
 
I used a 182RG for my Commercial (SE). Really, only 5-10 hours if I'm well prepared? I've done ratings in the past that seemed to drag on for many hours for no big reason and I'm looking to avoid that this time...
 
CFI is not about flying. Its about teaching. The examiner already knows you know how to fly. Just practice the teaching part by urself as much as you can and you will do fine.
 
I would use your aircraft to get comfortable with the maneuvers and landings from the right seat.
As said it is a checkride on instruction but FSDO will want to see that you are proficient in every maneuver to be taught, so you can demonstrate to students. If you eff up just explain why and what could have been done different.

If you are flying well in your 150 from the right side, it would only be and hour or two in the arrow.

Just make sure you know all of the common mistakes for each maneuver.
 
kevmor99 said:
I used a 182RG for my Commercial (SE). Really, only 5-10 hours if I'm well prepared? I've done ratings in the past that seemed to drag on for many hours for no big reason and I'm looking to avoid that this time...
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Set-up a game plan with your instructor.
If you don't have a game plan then you will rack up hours until your ground knowledge matches your flying.

If you are doing your CFI on your own, and you want to only fly five or 10 hours, then you need to get nearly checkride ready on the knowledge prior to starting your flying. Not only that, but schedule your checkride when you start the flying portion.

If you just recently finished your commercial, the maneuvers should be pretty good already.
 
I went to a flight school and questioned them about doing the CFI with them. They suggested checking me out in the plane first, then flying by myself to get proficient and practice teaching (like talking to myself), then fly with a variety of instructors to get their critique, and then somewhere down the line a stage check with someone else.

Does this sound overboard? From the above I imagine probably around 30 hours of flying. I don't want to rush things and this sounds like it would be great experience, but I also don't want to take out a 10,000 loan.
 
FWIW, I just finished my CFI under UND's 141 program in 29.4 hours; about 50/50 between the Cessna 172 and Arrow. The teaching part is definitely the hardest--it really takes very little time to be able to meet Commercial PTS from the right seat if you've stayed on top of your game.
 
Study as much as you can for 2-3 months non-stop. During that time, do all your lesson plans. Don't even get in the airplane until you're ready to pass the oral. I'd say you need about 2-3 hours to get used to flying from the right seat, and then maybe 5 hours at the most of checkride flight prep.

30 hours for CFI training at UND? That sounds kinda ridiculous, and expensive.
 
kevmor99 said:
Does this sound overboard? From the above I imagine probably around 30 hours of flying. I don't want to rush things and this sounds like it would be great experience, but I also don't want to take out a 10,000 loan.
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Sounds a bit overboard to me, my initial CFI sign-off was after 2.2 in the air. As has been pointed out, it is testing your ability to teach, and that can almost entirely be done on the ground.

My humble advice would be to see where you have the best chance of instructing, and do it there. One, they will probably cut you a deal. Two, it is a good way to get your foot in the door.
 
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