Getting CFI without formal course

[ebykowsky]

Hi all,

I'm interested in getting my CFI (as a challenge, for better future insurance rates once I buy, and just to have the rating), but don't have time to do a live / in-person CFI course. Does anyone have thoughts on:
1) What are the best, most comprehensive online CFI courses out there, which don't require in-person or scheduled ground school?
2) Roughly how many hours would you budget to get the rating? (ground study & flight time)
3) Any other guidance on going about this self-study?

Thanks!

 

[PeterNSteinmetz]

If you are not going to do the 2 week cram course, then I second basically what @Arob16 said.

Get BackSeat pilot or the equivalent. Go through each lesson and study needed background. Modify these to your style. Print and organize these in some binders. Have the big binders available containing each lesson.

Then practice teaching some of these with an instructor. For each lesson you must cover each one of the points in the corresponding ACS / PTS which these lesson plans will help you do.

On the flying part, based on your experience level, you may well need to really tighten up your landings and maneuvers. These need to be consistently spot on if you are going to be able to teach them.

I also did the written FOI, studying from Dauntless, passed that and first became an AGI. Teaching ground also helps you master those parts, as noted by @kath.