CFI Training for an old guy
 

I am a retired 121 pilot, who came to the airlines from the military. I like to get a CFI, so i can supplement my retirement income and maybe train family members. What's the best way to get a CFI? I like to do it quickly, so is a school the best way or are there better ways?
Thanks

I know a guy who did some research then ended up at Pray Aviation in Kansas for CFI Training.

https://prayaviation.com

It worked for him, just a minor bump or two, 1st time pass, YMMV.

Were you an IP in the military?

Not an IP, but an Instrument Check pilot

Had to be an IP to get the CFI through the mil comp pathway. Shepard Air has some prep for the written/knowledge exams and may be able to answer that question. Sheppard Air Flight Test 5.0 Prep Software ATP, Flight Engineer, Mil Comp - FAA Airline Transport Pilot

Another resource is Gleim. I used these many years ago. https://www.gleimaviation.com/flight-instructors/ or
amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=gleim&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

On your pathway to CFI SEL, you'll need the fundamentals of instructing exam and Flight Instructor Knowledge exam. I recommend also taking the Flight Instructor Advanced Ground Instructor and Instrument ground instructor exams. The Certified Ground Instructor (CGI) for Advanced and Instrument is a written passed only certification (no oral or practical) and allows you to instruct ground schools for hire while preparing for your CFI. You'll set up an IACRA account with the FAA to fill out your first 8710 online for your CGI and take paperwork to local FSDO, good experience!

Also own a current FAR.AIM. Particularly study the pilot instruction regs for each rating. If you can find a "super CFI" one that has more than two years instruction given, he can prepare you for the CFI. Typically, it will take about 10 hours of instruction practice from the right seat, mastering all the maneuvers being taught to students as well as ground instruction and development of lesson plans. The good news is, I don't believe it has to be in a complex aircraft anymore but double check. Hope this gets you started. It's a process, not a weekend rating!

Link to practical test standards (PTS):
https://www.faa.gov/training_testing...-S-8081-6D.pdf

https://www.faa.gov/training_testing...est_standards/

AC reference for endorsements:
https://www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/.../ac_61-65g.pdf

One small correction, the Ground Instructor ratings are totally separate from the CFI ratings. So it’s not a Flight Instructor Advanced Ground Instructor, just the AGI written. And while the Flight Instructor ratings are category specific the Ground Instructor covers everything so there can be helo or balloon questions on the AGI test.

Take a look at CFI Bootcamp
https://www.cfibootcamp.com/

I missed the comma after flight instructor, advanced ground instructor...exams. The point is, there is a CFI and a CGI so why not get both when there is much overlap?

Here is a 30 day full-time program from Falcon Aviation Academy.

https://www.flyfalcon.com/falcon-cfi-academy/

For what it’s worth, the flying subreddit on Reddit.com (r/flying) has recently hammered Pray Aviation. It would probably be worth searching around there before making a final choice.