Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is a great way to accelerate your aviation career. Not only does it allow you to share your passion for flying by teaching others, but it also provides a unique opportunity to build flight hours quickly and efficiently, which are essential for advancing to commercial and airline pilot roles. As a CFI, you’ll gain valuable experience, refine your skills, and open doors to a variety of aviation career paths, all while earning income as you continue to grow as a pilot.

Interior cockpit view of an aircraft flying over Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, with visible flight instruments and controls.

The Start of Your Aviation Career

Obtaining a Commercial Pilot License is the gateway to a professional career in aviation. Whether you want to become an airline pilot, a flight instructor, or a corporate pilot, a CPL is essential for:

  • Paid flying opportunities: You can get paid for your flying services, whether as an instructor, charter pilot, or airline pilot.

  • Career growth: The CPL is a key step toward more advanced ratings (like ATP) and career opportunities.

  • Personal satisfaction: If you’re passionate about flying, the CPL allows you to turn your passion into a livelihood.

Small airplane flying against blue sky with clouds

Commercial Training

You’ll gain proficiency in complex maneuvers, and learn how to handle a variety of conditions and scenarios that you’ll face as a commercial pilot. Training typically includes:

  • Advanced Maneuvers: You’ll learn to perform more advanced flight maneuvers, such as steep turns, stalls, and emergency procedures, often in more complex aircraft.

  • Cross-Country Flights: You'll plan and execute long-distance flights to various destinations, building experience in navigation and flight planning.

  • Night Flying: You'll be trained in night operations, including takeoffs, landings, and cross-country flights at night.

Pursue Your Aviation Career with SkyKnight

We know the journey to becoming a commercial pilot can be long, and we are dedicated to seeing you succeed. We help you map out your path, whether that’s with additional ratings or flight instructor jobs to build hours for more advanced roles.