Certified Flight Instructor Training in Des Moines, Iowa

Earn Your CFI, CFII & MEI Ratings with Structured Ground and Flight Training

3 Instructor Ratings: CFI, CFII

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Launch Your Career as a Certified Flight Instructor in Iowa

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 – Instrument (CFII)

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.

Requirements

Commercial Pilot Certificate
Valid FAA Medical Certificate

Training Includes

FOI Ground School
FAA Knowledge Tests
One-on-One Flight Training
FAA Checkride

Estimated Training

Flight: ~20 hours
Ground: ~30 hours

Certified Flight Instructor Career Opportunities

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

Through our new pilot pipeline partnership with Exec 1 Aviation, qualifying CFIs can also transition directly into a First Officer seat with a professional charter operator two of our own instructors already have.

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.

Requirements