How long did it take to earn CFI?
02-11-2018, 01:39 PM
#1
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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?
02-11-2018, 02:29 PM
#2
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Joined APC: Nov 2014
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02-11-2018, 04:47 PM
#3
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Posts: 114
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.
02-12-2018, 08:56 AM
#5
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Joined APC: Jan 2006
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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.
Four months? I'd try a new instructor or school.
02-12-2018, 10:21 AM
#6
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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.
02-12-2018, 11:13 AM
#7
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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.
FSDOs should not keep people waiting for months or even weeks... that's what DPEs are for.
02-12-2018, 11:29 AM
#8
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Posts: 38
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.
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.
02-13-2018, 05:34 PM
#10
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2014
Posts: 454
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!
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