Flight Instructor Training

Overview

Flight instructor training programs prepare pilots and navigators to teach others.

Flight instructor training prepares pilots and navigators to train others in flight operations, rules, and safety. Some prepare to work as license examiners.

Flight instructor training programs include topics such as:

Preparing students to fly or navigate aircraft
Principles of aircraft design and performance
Aircraft flight systems and controls
Flight crew operations
Government rules and regulations
Airways safety and traffic regulations

Schools

Only a few community colleges offer associate degree programs in flight instructor training. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.

A few colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree in flight instructor training. A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years of full-time study to complete.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Airplane Pilots

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

In order to become a flight instructor, you must first:

Be 18 years old
Have a second- or first-class medical certificate
Have a commercial pilot's license or airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate
Be able to read, speak, and understand English
Be instrument-rated

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes ground courses in the following subjects:

Engine Operation
Federal Aviation Regulations
Flight Instruments
Flight Theory
Meteorology
Navigation Theory
Radio Communications
Radio Navigation

In addition, your courses will also cover the basics of teaching, including the following topics:

Learning Process
Teaching Methods
Evaluation and Testing
Lesson Planning

In-flight training consists of practical training in an airplane, both in flight and on the ground. Your instructor will show you teaching techniques while in the plane. Your instructor will also teach you how to fly a plane from the right side.

Things to Know

Many pilots become flight instructors. This allows them to gain the necessary experience to become a pilot for a commercial airline.

Many people who train to become flight instructors take the Advanced Ground Instructor test (AGI). This allows you to teach ground courses.

As a certified flight instructor, you can work for flight training schools or become self-employed. Typically, you can begin training others to become flight instructors after you have been certified for 24 months.