I work at a flying club with lots of tailwheel airplanes and want as much tailwheel experience I can get before my CFI. People have been telling me the CFI checkride needs to be in a complex a/c, but I would much more prefer to do it in the backseat of a citabria (I've already been checked out for the backseat). All I saw in the FARs was that it needs to be in the same category and class.
Anyone know if the CFI needs to be done in a complex a/c?

 

Yes. Has to be in a complex.

 

You can do the commercial part in a complex then switch to a fixie. That's what I did- all my softs, shorts, and PTS airwork was done in a 172. You could use a Champ or what have you for that part if you wanted. A complex must be used for the commercial part.

 

What he said.
Same holds for the CFI.

 

The Flight Instructor, Airplane SE Land and Sea Practical Test Standards, Introduction, Aircraft and Equipment required for the Practical Test, states "...A complex airplane must be furnished for the performance of takeoff and landing maneuvers, and appropriate emergency procedures. A complex landplane is one having a retractable gear, flaps, and controllable propeller."

A complex aircraft is required for much of the test. To switch aircraft mid-test just adds unneeded complexity to the ride. And "most" examiners are going to "suggest" you do it in one aircraft. Make them comfortable.

 

So Cubdriver,
are you saying that you did your cfi in two parts then? both a complex and fixed?
i was really hoping to he able to have more fun in the tailwheels and spend less money...

 

Correct. I did most of it in a complex but ran out of time. We got the commercial stuff done day 1 but left the PTS stuff for the following morning. By then the 172RG was busy but Skyhawk was available. I do not think you can use a Champ for everything, but there's no harm in asking. Just be ready for a "no" since it is not in agreement with the FARs to use only a fixed gear airplane for the exam.

 

I did my airwork in a DA-20 and takeoff and landings in a 177RG. Saved me some money and the examiner was cool with it. I say go for it

 

I promise that this is not meant to offend. It is always perfectly acceptable to ask other people if you are unsure of the answer to a question, however, YOU are going to be the CFI, and YOU need to either know the answer to this, or where to find it. Never ever rely on hearsay or just repeat what others have told you. Do not be the cause of misinformation.

You are going to be signing people off for FAA checkrides. What would you do if you were signing someone off to become a CFI to ensure that they had completed all the required training and had the correct equipment (including aircraft) for the ride? The short answer is "look it up". You are going to be doing this a lot because it is impossible to know everything, however, it is not impossible to find anything! Always have proof.

On a kinda side note, I'm pretty sure that just about every CFI checkride starts with "prove to me that you are eligible to take this ride"...i think that when you find the answer to the question in the right place, you will also be able to answer this question!

GOODLUCK with your CFI! There are people out there that will tell you that CFI'ing is miserable, but I found it to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.