Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) in Tennessee: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Flying High Again
- Apr 2
- 2 min read
If you're passionate about flying and want to help others take to the skies, becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is a fulfilling and rewarding next step in your aviation journey. Tennessee, with its beautiful skies and supportive flight schools, is a fantastic place to launch your CFI career. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the path. 🛫
✍️ Certified Flight Instructor Tennessee
Before you start, make sure you meet the FAA's minimum requirements:
Be at least 18 years old
Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate
Hold a Second-Class Medical Certificate
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
📚 Complete the Ground School Training
Enroll in a CFI ground school program (like our Fast Track Ground School!) to prepare for the FAA written exams. You’ll need to pass two main tests:
Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI)
Flight Instructor Aeronautical Knowledge Test
These exams focus on teaching strategies and aviation knowledge — both essential to becoming a great instructor. 🎓
✈️ Log the Required Flight Hours
While you've already logged significant hours as a commercial pilot, you’ll need specific experience for CFI certification:
Minimum of 250 total flight hours
Dual instruction received in preparation for the CFI checkride
Proficiency in the maneuvers you’ll be teaching
Working with an experienced CFI during this time is crucial to sharpen your skills. 🧑✈️👩✈️
🧠 Prepare for the Checkride
The CFI checkride is known to be one of the most challenging. It includes:
An in-depth oral exam (often several hours long)
A flight portion where you’ll demonstrate your ability to teach and fly maneuvers
Preparation is key — use your resources, practice your lesson plans, and fly regularly. ✅
🏁 Pass the Checkride and Get Certified
Once you successfully complete the checkride, congratulations — you’re a Certified Flight Instructor Tennessee 🎉 You can now start teaching students, building flight hours, and sharing your love of aviation.
🛩️ Start Instructing and Building Experience
Most CFIs begin by teaching Private Pilot students. Not only is this a great way to pass on your knowledge, but it’s also one of the best ways to build the hours needed for higher certifications, like Airline Transport Pilot (ATP).
Tennessee’s active general aviation scene makes it a great place to get started — especially if you're training in the scenic skies of Smyrna, Nashville, or beyond. 🌤️
Ready to Take Off? 🚀
At Flying High Again LLC, we offer all the tools and support you need to become a successful CFI. From top-tier ground instruction to expert mentorship, we’ll help you every step of the way.
Start your CFI journey today — and help others fall in love with flying! 💙🛫