Go Back  Airline Pilot Central Forums > Career Builder > Flight Schools and Training
How long did it take to earn CFI? >

How long did it take to earn CFI?

Search

Notices
Flight Schools and Training Ratings, building hours, airmanship, CFI topics

How long did it take to earn CFI?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-11-2018 | 01:39 PM
  #1  
airplane401's Avatar
Thread Starter
Line Holder
 
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Post How long did it take to earn CFI?

I'm a little depressed as of today. I've been working on my CFI for about 4.5 months and have been studying my butt off but still don't have a checkride scheduled. I have about 360tt and over 80 complex. I have spent just about 20k on my CFI alone. All my maneuvers are within PTS and all the other instructors I flew with keep asking me when will my main instructor sign me off. I feel like Im close to getting a sign off but I'm running out of money. I have spoken with my instructor about this before and the date just keeps getting pushed back on when I would finish. How long did it take you to complete your CFI?
Reply
Old 02-11-2018 | 02:29 PM
  #2  
155mm's Avatar
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
Default

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fULNUr0rvEc

...........4 months
Reply
Old 02-11-2018 | 04:47 PM
  #3  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Default

I went to a two week cfi school and took the check ride. Thankfully my CFI ride was my easiest check ride I every had. I have heard horror stories of 2 day check rides. Sounds to me like you should be ready. 4mo is a long time. The hardest part of a CFI check ride is the oral. The flying part you should already know other then teaching from the right seat. Sounds like you need to have a heart to heart with you instructor or find another one.
Reply
Old 02-12-2018 | 08:45 AM
  #4  
TurboWill's Avatar
Line Holder
 
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: CFI
Default

Ouch... I feel your pain. Took me about the same time, had a lot of issue's with the plane alway's going down for maintenance. Keep at it!
Reply
Old 02-12-2018 | 08:56 AM
  #5  
rickair7777's Avatar
Prime Minister/Moderator
Veteran: Navy
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 44,895
Likes: 690
From: Engines Turn or People Swim
Default

You should be able to do it in four weeks if you're a recent CPL and are still fluent on all commercial maneuvers. Six weeks at a more leisurely pace.

Four months? I'd try a new instructor or school.
Reply
Old 02-12-2018 | 10:21 AM
  #6  
Line Holder
 
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Default

I spent more time waiting on the FSDO to assign me a DPE than it took me to get ready. I waited 2 months for them to assign me an examiner, so don't be surprised if it takes a little longer for that reason, but gave me extra time to study, so not terrible.
Reply
Old 02-12-2018 | 11:13 AM
  #7  
rickair7777's Avatar
Prime Minister/Moderator
Veteran: Navy
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 44,895
Likes: 690
From: Engines Turn or People Swim
Default

Originally Posted by COKS
I spent more time waiting on the FSDO to assign me a DPE than it took me to get ready. I waited 2 months for them to assign me an examiner, so don't be surprised if it takes a little longer for that reason, but gave me extra time to study, so not terrible.
Some FSDO's will authorize a DPE pretty quickly if there's no fed available. That's a good item to research when looking at schools... does the FSDO do all checkrides, and how long does it take them?

FSDOs should not keep people waiting for months or even weeks... that's what DPEs are for.
Reply
Old 02-12-2018 | 11:29 AM
  #8  
jks621's Avatar
Line Holder
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Default

As a few have already said, you might look into a different school or instructor. If all of your maneuvers are within PTS what's the hold up? For my students, the areas of issue are usually a lack of the knowledge, that they need to brush up on before the checkride. But in your case it sounds like you've been studying plenty. You might have a talk with your instructor first and if that doesn't work, then find a new school.

I heard a rumor that the FSDO's won't be doing any initial CFI's anymore, but that you still have to contact them to get your checkride scheduled. Not sure any truth to that. My FSDO is so short they automatically refer you to a DPE.
Reply
Old 02-12-2018 | 01:40 PM
  #9  
Line Holder
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Default

Yeah, thats pretty brutal. I would definitely move on to someone else. Usually anyone, with enough effort, can be ready in a few weeks for the CFI initial. Good luck!
Reply
Old 02-13-2018 | 05:34 PM
  #10  
155mm's Avatar
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by wmlocante
Yeah, thats pretty brutal. I would definitely move on to someone else. Usually anyone, with enough effort, can be ready in a few weeks for the CFI initial. Good luck!
Well perhaps today with a designated examiner but when the FAA was doing all initial CFI's not so!
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
giannifly
Flight Schools and Training
0
08-16-2017 12:42 AM
scorpius
Flight Schools and Training
8
11-22-2016 06:06 PM
sellener
Flight Schools and Training
5
08-25-2015 12:57 PM
Bellanca
Flight Schools and Training
32
02-26-2011 02:18 PM
exerauflyboy5
Flight Schools and Training
15
02-18-2009 08:29 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



Your Privacy Choices