How long did it take to earn CFI?
02-14-2018, 03:39 AM
#11
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Joined APC: Nov 2017
Posts: 45
Originally Posted by 155mm
Well perhaps today with a designated examiner but when the FAA was doing all initial CFI's not so!
02-14-2018, 05:34 AM
#12
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Joined APC: Nov 2014
Posts: 454
Originally Posted by wmlocante
How would that process work? Would you walk into your local FSDO and schedule an appointment with the FAA?
The OP asked how long it took to get a CFI. 4 months is not an unrealistic time to prepare for the initial CFI. Perhaps there are a lot of Santa Claus DPE's out there and you can squeak by in a two week crash course??
Last edited by 155mm; 02-14-2018 at 06:02 AM.
02-14-2018, 06:33 AM
#13
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Posts: 454
Apparently some FSDO's do initial CFI
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org.../CFI/CFI_exam/
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org..._practical.pdf
The FSDO can also "refer to a DPE"
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org..._practical.pdf
The FSDO can also "refer to a DPE"
02-14-2018, 11:09 AM
#14
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Joined APC: Apr 2015
Position: CRJ
Posts: 372
IMO 4 months is too long for a fresh CPL... i did mine in 35 days at a crash course. Lined up my DPE 2 weeks in advance. I also pushed through 2 CFI candidates in 2 months start to finish. It takes the dedication but is possible as your full time focus. Now if you are only meeting twice a week and have to work and pay bills that is a different story
02-14-2018, 12:31 PM
#15
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
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Originally Posted by 155mm
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org.../CFI/CFI_exam/
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org..._practical.pdf
The FSDO can also "refer to a DPE"
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org..._practical.pdf
The FSDO can also "refer to a DPE"
02-14-2018, 01:30 PM
#17
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Joined APC: Jul 2012
Posts: 352
Originally Posted by theonlyski
As others have said, 4 months seems a bit excessive. I went to a month long course and got my CFI and CFII sign offs by the end of the month. Took my CFI ride and passed just fine (dragging my feet on the CFII).
But yes, in my experience with the North Texas FSDO, you submit to them first and in 2 weeks or so they'd designate a DPE who will do it in another 1-2 weeks.
02-14-2018, 02:14 PM
#18
Day puke
Joined APC: Feb 2006
Position: Out.
Posts: 3,865
The CFI candidates I taught were fresh out of Comm SEL, so they knew the maneuvers. All were less than six weeks, most took five weeks. That was 5 hours of oral/week and 2 or 3 one hour flights/week.
I had one student who did it in 16 days and only 4 hours of flight (an hour of spin training, and three mandatory check ride prep) She took my advice and did her COMM SEL training and ride from the right seat, so she already had the maneuvers down. The three hours of test prep was just to knock of the rust and make sure she could talk and fly at the same time.
I had one student who did it in 16 days and only 4 hours of flight (an hour of spin training, and three mandatory check ride prep) She took my advice and did her COMM SEL training and ride from the right seat, so she already had the maneuvers down. The three hours of test prep was just to knock of the rust and make sure she could talk and fly at the same time.
02-14-2018, 06:51 PM
#19
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Joined APC: Nov 2014
Posts: 454
Originally Posted by Tippy
IMO 4 months is too long for a fresh CPL... i did mine in 35 days at a crash course. Lined up my DPE 2 weeks in advance. I also pushed through 2 CFI candidates in 2 months start to finish. It takes the dedication but is possible as your full time focus. Now if you are only meeting twice a week and have to work and pay bills that is a different story
02-14-2018, 07:26 PM
#20
Line Holder
Joined APC: Dec 2015
Posts: 28
Originally Posted by 155mm
Well perhaps today with a designated examiner but when the FAA was doing all initial CFI's not so!
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