CFI & CFII

Many pilots start their careers as Certified Flight Instructors (CFI’s)- and for good reason. Instructing is one of the best ways to sharpen your skills, gain confidence, and build the flight hours needed for future opportunities. Teaching others requires true mastery, and it pushes you to become an even better pilot in the process. Plus, a CFI certificate is a standout qualification on any aviation resume. It’s not just a job- it’s a launchpad.

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The basic FAA requirements that need to be met to qualify for a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Certificate are:

• Have at least a Commercial Pilot Certificate
• Be fluent in English (read, write, speak and understand it)
• Meet required standards to qualify for CFI certification
• Pass an FAA written exam
• Pass an oral test and check ride with an FAA examiner

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*The CFI course offered by Utah Helicopter requires 40 hours of ground training. While the FAA does not list a specific flight hour requirement beyond the 150 hours needed for the Commercial Certificate, there is a 200 total flight hour requirement to instruct in the R22 and R44 specifically. The cost breakdown is under the assumption the student needs an additional 50 hours of flight time to reach the 200 total hour mark. The CFI course will provide the student with around 35-40 hours of R22 time, whereas the CFII course will provide the last 10-15 hours in the R44 to reach 200 total hours. Students who finish their commercial training with more than 150 total hours will require less time during the CFI/CFII training before reaching 200 hours.

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CFI cost

Estimated total cost of both flight and ground training (minimum 40 hrs):

• • R22: $18,500
  • R44: $30,000

CFII cost

Estimated total cost of both flight and ground training (minimum 10 hrs):

• • R44: $10,000