Become a Flight Instructor

At Pelican Flight School, we welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds who aspire to take to the skies. Based in the USA, we provide an ideal setting for aviation training. While some students begin with no prior flight experience, others arrive with varying levels of aviation expertise.

For those with prior flight hours, we offer personalized training programs to help meet certification requirements and accelerate progress toward becoming a professional pilot in the USA’s thriving aviation industry.

If you already possess flight experience that can be credited toward your professional pilot training, we provide a unique opportunity to expand your aviation skills. By completing our standardization training, you can advance your career and train the next generation of pilots as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) in the USA.

Customized Training Options

At Pelican Flight School, we recognize that each student has unique goals and experiences. Our flight instructor training program is structured to accommodate pilots with varying levels of prior experience. If you hold a Private Pilot Certificate, an Instrument Rating, or a Multi-Engine Rating, we customize our curriculum to align with your specific requirements.

Pilots with significant experience can have their flight hours credited, enabling a faster pathway to CFI certification. This approach minimizes unnecessary repetition, allowing students to save time and costs. Whether transitioning from another aviation program or refining specific skills, our tailored training in the USA supports a smooth path to certification.

By providing customized instruction, Pelican Flight School ensures that each student maximizes their potential, preparing them for a successful career in aviation instruction across the USA and beyond.

Why Become a Certified Flight Instructor?

Earning a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certification is a crucial step in any pilot’s career. As a CFI, you not only enhance your own aviation knowledge but also contribute to training the next generation of pilots. Teaching others deepens your understanding of aviation fundamentals, including safety protocols, aerodynamics, and instrument procedures.

Prerequisites:

  • A valid FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate (or ATP) with an Airplane Category (ASEL or AMEL)

  • A minimum of a Class III medical certificate (Basic Med is acceptable)

  • Passing scores on the FIA and FOI exams (preferred but not required) or a Ground Instructor certification in place of FOI

Becoming a CFI is a practical career move, as it allows you to gain valuable flight hours while earning an income. Many aviation career paths in the USA require instructors to demonstrate advanced skills, and obtaining a CFI certification strengthens your qualifications for future airline or commercial roles.

Beyond career advancement, flight instruction is an immensely fulfilling experience. Helping students master aviation skills and pass their checkrides builds confidence and a passion for flight. The leadership and communication skills gained as a CFI are valuable in all areas of the aviation industry, making it an essential step for any aspiring aviation professional in the USA.

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Training

Most CFIs will tell you they learned more after becoming an instructor than during their previous training. That’s why we emphasize thorough preparation for this role in our USA-based program.

Our training includes structured coursework for two required exams: the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) Exam and the FAA Certified Flight Instructor Knowledge Exam. These cover crucial topics such as teaching methodologies, learning principles, and advanced aerodynamics.

For those looking to expand their qualifications, we also offer advanced certifications, including Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) ratings. These endorsements equip you with the skills to train students in instrument operations and multi-engine aircraft, increasing your career opportunities in aviation instruction across the USA.

Have any questions about getting started? Contact us today !

Course Overview

The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) course at Pelican Flight School provides a structured path to certification. It begins with an in-depth ground school covering instruction techniques, aviation psychology, and FAA regulations, ensuring students are well-prepared for the FOI and CFI Knowledge Exams.

The flight training portion emphasizes practical experience. Students refine their teaching skills while flying advanced aircraft such as the Cessna 152 and Complex SEL. Our modern simulators enhance training by simulating real-world flight conditions, improving students' proficiency. Training in the USA provides exposure to a diverse range of airspace, preparing students for real-world aviation challenges.

Our program is highly adaptable, catering to students with different experience levels. Whether you are beginning your instructor training or building on previous flight knowledge, our structured curriculum and experienced instructors ensure that you are fully prepared for the FAA checkride and a successful CFI career in the USA.

Prepare Your Own Lesson Plans

Each lesson plan should align with the FAA Practical Test Standards (PTS). We help students structure their lesson plans effectively, ensuring they present key concepts, provide practical insights, and incorporate proper evaluation methods.

After developing lesson plans, students practice instruction by flying with an experienced instructor who acts as their student. This training involves demonstrating maneuvers, coaching their “student” through exercises, and assessing performance under real-world USA airspace conditions.

Exam Preparation and Checkride Success

Passing the FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) exams and checkride is a significant achievement, and Pelican Flight School is committed to preparing students for success. Our structured preparation includes:

  • Comprehensive ground school covering aviation teaching methodologies, principles of flight, and communication skills

  • Mock oral exams simulating real testing conditions to refine students' knowledge

  • Focused flight training to ensure proficiency in all checkride test areas

Our program boasts a high success rate, with over 80% of students passing their FAA exams and checkrides on the first attempt. With strong aviation networks throughout the USA, our graduates are well-positioned for successful careers in flight instruction and beyond.

Why Choose Pelican Flight School for Your CFI Training?

Pelican Flight School has been a trusted name in aviation education for over 40 years. Based in the USA, we offer ideal flying conditions with 350 days of training weather annually, access to major air traffic hubs, and opportunities to practice in a variety of airspace environments.

Our specialized CFI training program features a modern fleet, including Cessna 152 and Piper 28 Complex aircraft, alongside cutting-edge ALSIM simulators. These tools are carefully selected to help students master flight instruction techniques and prepare for real-world aviation challenges in the USA.

Beyond certification, we provide ongoing career support through partnerships with universities and aviation organizations, ensuring students have the resources needed for long-term success. With personalized instruction, FAA-certified trainers, and a strong record of student achievement, Pelican Flight School is dedicated to helping you reach your aviation goals in the USA.

Start your journey to becoming a flight instructor with Pelican Flight School—where your passion for teaching and aviation takes flight in the USA! 

 

Flight Instructor certification image

Pelican Flight School is proud to be one of the leading flight schools in the USA, offering top-tier aviation training to students from across the country and around the world. Located in South Florida, we take full advantage of the USA’s diverse aviation infrastructure, providing students with access to some of the busiest and most challenging airspaces in the nation. Our school, based at North Perry Airport, is strategically positioned near major hubs like Miami and Fort Lauderdale, giving aspiring pilots the unique opportunity to train in a real-world aviation environment. With over 30 years of experience, Pelican Flight School has established itself as a leader in safety, professionalism, and personalized training programs. Whether you're aiming to convert a foreign license or start your aviation journey from scratch, our USA-based flight school offers the comprehensive training needed to thrive in the global aviation industry.

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