Certified Flight Instrucor Ratings

Instruct, Inspire, Advance

Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is a rewarding step that not only enhances your aviation resume but also allows you to give back to the aviation community. As a CFI, you gain valuable flight hours and real-world teaching experience, both essential for advancing to airline or corporate aviation careers. At the same time, you play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of pilots, passing on your knowledge, skills, and passion for aviation. It’s an opportunity to grow professionally while making a lasting impact on future aviators.

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor is both a career-building opportunity and a chance to make a lasting impact in aviation. At Vertical Vision Flight Academy, we provide a structured path to help you earn your CFI with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Steps to Becoming a CFI:

Meet the Prerequisites
You must hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate and have a valid FAA medical certificate.
Complete the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) Ground Course
Our in-person FOI course covers the psychological principles and instructional techniques needed to effectively teach aviation. You'll explore topics such as learning processes, communication skills, lesson planning, and student evaluation.
Pass the FOI and CFI Knowledge Tests
You'll take two FAA written exams: the FOI and the CFI Airplane Knowledge Test. Our ground school ensures you're fully prepared to succeed.
Flight Training with an Instructor
You’ll work one-on-one with our experienced CFIs to master instructional maneuvers, right-seat teaching techniques, and safety responsibilities.
Checkride with a DPE
After completing your training, you'll demonstrate your instructional skills during an oral exam and practical flight test with a Designated Pilot Examiner.
Estimated Training Hours - Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
- Flight Training: Approximately 20 hours with a CFI
- Ground Training: Approximately 30 hours with a 2-Year CFI
Disclaimer: The estimated training hours provided are based on student averages and may vary. Actual hours may be less or more, depending on individual performance and learning pace.

Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII)

Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) is the next step for flight instructors looking to expand their qualifications and deepen their expertise. As a CFII, you'll be authorized to teach students how to fly in the instrument environment—helping them master IFR procedures, navigation systems, and safe decision-making in low-visibility conditions. This certification not only builds valuable flight time but also sharpens your own skills and marketability as a professional pilot.

Steps to Becoming a CFII:

Hold a Valid CFI and Instrument Rating
You must already be a Certified Flight Instructor and hold an Instrument Rating on your Commercial Pilot Certificate.
Complete CFII Ground Training
Our CFII ground course dives into advanced instrument procedures, IFR regulations, and how to effectively teach instrument flying concepts. You'll also review complex weather interpretation, ATC procedures, and scenario-based training methods.
Pass the CFII Knowledge Test
Prepare for and pass the FAA CFII Airplane Knowledge Exam with the support of our structured ground program.
Flight Training with a CFII
You'll practice instructional techniques from the right seat, focusing on teaching approaches, holds, instrument scans, and emergency procedures—both in the aircraft and our full-motion simulator.
CFII Checkride with a DPE
Your final step is a comprehensive oral and practical exam with a Designated Pilot Examiner, where you’ll demonstrate your ability to safely and effectively teach instrument flight.
Estimated Training Hours - Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)
- Flight Training: Approximately 5 hours with a CFII
- Ground Training: Approximately 15 hours with a 2-Year CFII
Disclaimer: The estimated training hours provided are based on student averages and may vary. Actual hours may be less or more, depending on individual performance and learning pace.

Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)

Becoming a Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) is an essential step for flight instructors seeking to expand their qualifications and prepare for careers in corporate or airline operations. As an MEI, you'll be authorized to teach students in multi-engine aircraft, providing instruction on advanced systems, engine-out procedures, and performance management. This certification not only boosts your resume but gives you the opportunity to log valuable multi-engine time while mentoring pilots at a higher level of training.

Steps to Becoming an MEI:

Hold a Valid CFI and Multi-Engine Rating
To begin MEI training, you must be a Certified Flight Instructor with a multi-engine rating on your Commercial Pilot Certificate.
Complete MEI Ground Training
Our MEI ground course focuses on multi-engine aerodynamics, engine-out operations, Vmc demonstrations, systems knowledge, and instructional techniques specific to multi-engine aircraft.
Right-Seat Flight Training in a Multi-Engine Aircraft
You'll receive hands-on instruction in our Piper Seminole equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, focusing on teaching complex maneuvers, single-engine operations, and emergency procedures from the instructor's seat.
Pass the MEI Checkride with a DPE
Your training culminates in a practical test with a Designated Pilot Examiner, where you’ll demonstrate your ability to teach and manage multi-engine flight scenarios safely and effectively.
Estimated Training Hours - Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)
- Flight Training: Approximately 5 hours with an MEI
- Solo Flight Training: Approximately 10 hours
Disclaimer: The estimated training hours provided are based on student averages and may vary. Actual hours may be less or more, depending on individual performance and learning pace.

Where Your Ratings Can Take You

With your instructor ratings in hand, you can launch a professional journey that fits your goals—whether that’s joining an established flight school or starting your own freelance instruction business. At Vertical Vision Flight Academy, we don’t just train CFIs—we invest in them. When the need arises, we prioritize hiring from within, giving our graduates the opportunity to stay connected, build experience, and continue growing as part of the team that helped shape their success

Striving for Excellence: Gold Seal CFI

The Gold Seal Flight Instructor designation is a prestigious FAA recognition awarded to CFIs who consistently deliver high-quality instruction and produce successful student outcomes. To qualify, instructors must:

Hold an Advanced or Instrument Ground Instructor Certificate
Maintain a high student pass rate on first attemts for FAA Practical Tests
Have endorsed at least 10 applicants for a certificate or rating in the last 24 months
Demonstrate a consistent record of excellence in flight training

At Vertical Vision Flight Academy, we’ve proudly helped multiple CFIs achieve their Gold Seal over the years. It’s a testament to the strength of our training environment, the dedication of our instructors, and our shared commitment to raising the bar in aviation education.