Becoming a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) is one of the most strategic and rewarding steps a commercial pilot can take. Whether you’re looking to build flight hours, improve your own skills, or make a difference by helping others learn to fly, earning your flight instructor certificate is one of the best ways to put your commercial pilot privileges to work—earning income while building experience and making an impact.
At Summit Wings Aviation, we provide accelerated, personalized CFI training in Colorado to help you pass your check ride with confidence and become a professional, effective aviation educator.
Why Become a Flight Instructor in Colorado?
✅ Stand Out in the Hiring Process – Employers value CFIs for their communication skills, professionalism, and deeper understanding of flight principles.
✅ Build Flight Hours Quickly – Earn money while gaining valuable PIC time as you prepare for airline or commercial roles.
✅ Sharpen Your Flying Skills – Teaching others solidifies your own knowledge and improves precision.
✅ Inspire the Next Generation – Make a lasting impact in aviation by mentoring student pilots.
✅ Launch Your Aviation Career – Whether full-time or part-time, instructing is a powerful and flexible way to build experience.
CFI Requirements – How to Become a Flight Instructor
To become a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI), you must:
- Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate (ASEL or AMEL)
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a valid FAA 3rd Class Medical (or 2nd/1st for compensation)
- Pass the FOI (Fundamentals of Instruction) and Flight Instructor Airplane Knowledge Test
- Receive required endorsements and flight instructor training
- Pass a CFI check ride with an FAA DPE, including oral and practical exams
Available Flight Instructor Ratings & Add-Ons
Summit Wings Aviation offers training for all major FAA flight instructor certificates:
CFI – Certificated Flight Instructor (Single-Engine)
Train new students in single-engine airplanes for private, commercial, and add-on ratings.
CFII – Certificated Flight Instructor Instrument
Teach instrument students in IFR operations. You must already hold an instrument rating.
MEI – Multi-Engine Instructor
Teach multi-engine operations. Requires a Commercial AMEL certificate.
These ratings can be earned as add-ons or sequentially, and many pilots pursue all three—CFI, CFII, and MEI—to broaden their skills and employment options.
How Long Does CFI Training Take?
A current and proficient commercial pilot can typically complete their CFI in:
- 10–15 hours of flight training (in a Cessna 172 or Piper Archer)
- 10–20 hours of ground instruction on FOI topics, lesson plans, and regulations
💰 Estimated CFI Training Cost:
- Aircraft Rental (Cessna 172 / Piper Archer @ $150/hr): $1,500 – $2,250
- Ground & Flight Instruction (@ $65/hr): $1,300 – $2,275
- Total Estimated Cost: $2,800 – $4,525 (plus FAA written exams & check ride fees)
Costs depend on your experience and level of readiness.
Why Train with Summit Wings Aviation in Colorado?
- ✅ Expert instructors with real-world teaching and check ride experience
- ✅ Accelerated CFI programs available for motivated pilots
- ✅ Flexible scheduling for working professionals or full-time students
- ✅ FAA-compliant syllabus built for practical success
- ✅ Located in Colorado with real-world airspace and seasonal weather training benefits
We don’t just train you to pass the test—we prepare you to be a confident and effective flight instructor from Day One.
Ready to launch your aviation career, sharpen your skills, and start getting paid to fly? Enroll in CFI training with Summit Wings Aviation and start making a difference—both in the cockpit and in the lives of your future students.