Certified Flight Instructor

After most pilots obtain their Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certificate they have around 200 hours.  Many commercial jobs require at least 1000 to 1500 hours experience.  The most efficient way, both economically and academically, to build experience necessary to get into commercial flying is to work as a Certified Flight Instructor. Economically because you get paid to fly and academically because you continue to learn at an exponential rate while you teach others how to fly.

Minimum requirements:

Hold at least a Helicopter Commercial Pilot Certificate,

At least 18 years of age,

At least a Class 3 medical certificate,

Pass both written and practical exams

Aeronautical experience and minimum hours include:

The FAA requires no minimum number of hours of training, only that you receive and log ground and flight training to become a Certificated Flight Instructor.  Most students begin their CFI training during their Commercial Pilot training to reduce costs.

One additional written exam is required for the CFI: the Fundamentals of Instruction, commonly referred to as ‘the FOI’s’

Aviation Instructor’s Handbook

Certified Flight Instructor Helicopter Practical Test Standards