Originally Posted by 14CFR

I agree that $20k is obsurd, but I also disagree that quality CFI/CFII/MEI certification can be attained for $3k-$6k unless there is some other non-monetary compensation. In conjunction with statements already made throughout this forum, today's market (and you are marketing yourself) is an employers market and you (the proverbial 'you') are expendable unless you show otherwise. This fact is disgusting, but true. A good initial CFI course should include between 50-70 hours of interactive ground instructing/instruction and between 10 & 15 hours in the aircraft. You can acquire your initial instructor certification as either an MEI, CFII or CFI and simply add-on the other two remaining. The only caviat to the MEI is that you must have 15 hours of PIC in cat/class to qualify for the practical test. Once your initial is complete, the add-ons are easier, but should also include 10-15 hours of interactive instructing/instruction. Most of the CFII can be completed in an FTD. You are investing in yourself and what you should take away from a good training program is a passion for instruction and the ability "create" a positive transfer of knowledge/skill by breaking down barriers to effective communication. By 'knowledge' I mean true knowledge, not rote, regurgitated jargon, coloquialisms and falsisms that everyone else in the interview waiting room has in their aresonal. There are no short-cuts in acquiring this correlative level of knowledge. It takes work. Both on the part of your instructor, you as an instructor and you as a student. Learning is continuous. If you choose to invest in short-cuts, you may get the job, but you will also place yourself on the expendable list, because CFI's with those skills are a dime-a-dozen. Pricing for CFI training of this caliber is between $11 & $12k. Not the cheapest, but not the most expensive. Having both Assistant Chief and Chief Flight Instructor rolls for 141 Flight Schools under my belt, I look for CFI's who truely teach; not me, but students, new students. And not just PTS material, but basic mathematics and physics. This was more important to me than the amount of dual-given one had logged. But how do you get to the point where the interviewer is observing your instruction and not just looking at your name on another generic/conformist pilot resume? You be personal and ever-so-slightly annoying. Research the company, apply in person, be polite, find out who the does the hiring, wear a suit, shave, take earings out, leave messages/follow-up, send thank you cards/snail mail/emails. Make youeself and your interest in using your skills to make the company successfull known. It works.