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Costs of CFI, CFII, and MEI average costs

Old 12-02-2019, 11:29 AM
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Default Costs of CFI, CFII, and MEI average costs

What is the typical cost of these ratings by itself, assuming the person has a commercial multi/single
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Old 12-02-2019, 02:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Captainfit View Post
What is the typical cost of these ratings by itself, assuming the person has a commercial multi/single
It's really difficult to quote a price on any of these ratings! It really depends on your experience although, there are schools that will state a price.

The CFI single engine land was my first achievement many years ago and it took me a couple months with a first time failure. First step is to obtain a super CFI (one who has 2+ years instructing) who enjoys teaching initial CFI applicants.

In addition, I would take the certified ground instructor AGI and FOI (fundamentals of Instructing), The cost of the CGI rating is a couple hundred dollars (cost of written exams and books) with no oral or practical. The FOI will not have to be taken again for the CFI! It gives you the opportunity to learn how to teach by teaching ground school classes or your "super" CFI's students. You need lots of practice preparing and delivering lesson plans as well as answering student questions.

Depending on your currency, you will probably need about 10 to 20 hours teaching from the right seat both private and commercial maneuvers. This will be dual instruction from your super CFI.

There are designated examiners that can give the initial CFI checkride ranging in fees from $500 to $1000. If the FAA is available, they are free.

This is a good starter then you can focus on the CFII and MEI.
I'm shooting in the dark for costs but probably about $5K for the initial CFI, $2500 for the CFII and $5K for the MEI plus or minus a couple grand. Depends on your background!

Last edited by 155mm; 12-02-2019 at 02:52 PM.
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Old 12-02-2019, 04:25 PM
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If you find a nice Part 61 school willing to combine CPL SE and your initial CFI.
No requirement to take your checkride from the LH seat so do your CPL ride as the warm up for your CFI.
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Old 12-06-2019, 03:11 AM
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Just get your CFI & go instruct. You may or may not need to add anything to it, if so the school usually helps.
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Old 12-10-2019, 09:21 AM
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Originally Posted by sourdough44 View Post
Just get your CFI & go instruct. You may or may not need to add anything to it, if so the school usually helps.
Wouldn’t CFII help in staying sharp for next job in IFR system?
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Old 12-10-2019, 10:55 AM
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Originally Posted by 155mm View Post
There are designated examiners that can give the initial CFI checkride ranging in fees from $500 to $1000. If the FAA is available, they are free.
Definitely go with the DPE on this one even though you'll have to pony up the $$$. Stay away from the FAA as it could very well take a month or two to get on their schedule and then who knows what will happen after that.
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Old 12-10-2019, 04:56 PM
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Originally Posted by SSlow View Post
Definitely go with the DPE on this one even though you'll have to pony up the $$$. Stay away from the FAA as it could very well take a month or two to get on their schedule and then who knows what will happen after that.
This.

I've know FSDO feds who hated doing GA checkrides so much that they intentionally cultivated a reputation for brutality... very rare for any applicants to make it to the flight test. If they somehow passed the oral, they would fail something on the pre-flight walkaround (ex. loose rivet).

Had a couple students burned because they wanted to save the $. After I TOLD them what was going to happen
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Old 12-11-2019, 07:12 AM
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Originally Posted by rickair7777 View Post
This.

I've know FSDO feds who hated doing GA checkrides so much that they intentionally cultivated a reputation for brutality... very rare for any applicants to make it to the flight test. If they somehow passed the oral, they would fail something on the pre-flight walkaround (ex. loose rivet).
Exactly what happened to me. It took over a month to get the checkride scheduled, and when the day finally came I was handed a letter of discontinuance and a ferry permit to get home because the TSO stamps on the seat belts were faded, among other petty things.

Just pay for the DPE and get it over with.
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Old 12-11-2019, 09:58 AM
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Originally Posted by 155mm View Post
It's really difficult to quote a price on any of these ratings! It really depends on your experience although, there are schools that will state a price.

The CFI single engine land was my first achievement many years ago and it took me a couple months with a first time failure. First step is to obtain a super CFI (one who has 2+ years instructing) who enjoys teaching initial CFI applicants.

In addition, I would take the certified ground instructor AGI and FOI (fundamentals of Instructing), The cost of the CGI rating is a couple hundred dollars (cost of written exams and books) with no oral or practical. The FOI will not have to be taken again for the CFI! It gives you the opportunity to learn how to teach by teaching ground school classes or your "super" CFI's students. You need lots of practice preparing and delivering lesson plans as well as answering student questions.

Depending on your currency, you will probably need about 10 to 20 hours teaching from the right seat both private and commercial maneuvers. This will be dual instruction from your super CFI.

There are designated examiners that can give the initial CFI checkride ranging in fees from $500 to $1000. If the FAA is available, they are free.

This is a good starter then you can focus on the CFII and MEI.
I'm shooting in the dark for costs but probably about $5K for the initial CFI, $2500 for the CFII and $5K for the MEI plus or minus a couple grand. Depends on your background!
Thank you for the detailed advice and education!
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Old 12-11-2019, 09:59 AM
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My question now is, would joining a regional carrier that pays for your CFI ratings be a wise decision? Or go ahead and get your own money together, so you ultimately can have a choice on which carrier you would like to work for once they have their hours?
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