Essential Study Material
For the CFI Program

Becoming a CFI is a rewarding experience and an important rating to hold with a great deal of responsibility.

Because of the responsibility of instruction, the FAA has set forth a rigorous requirement of three written exams, oral exams and flight tests. The 2 week ATP CFI school is designed to help prepare you for these challenges as well as the challenge of instructing.

In order to ensure your success you must be fully invested in your own preparation before you arrive. The majority of the class is a review of material already covered in your Private and Commercial programs. You must arrive prepared to succeed in this program.

One of the requirements for the CFI checkride is to demonstrate instructor level knowledge of the Tasks listed in the PTS. This means that you need to come prepared to discuss the pertinent facts of the tasks and subject listed in the CFI PTS. “Instructor level knowledge” means that you can be asked to tell what you know about a subject and without notes or study aids you can layout a logical presentation of the material in a way that a student would be able to pass a checkride based on your presentation. You must be able to explain a concept (airspace for example) in this manner for you to be sufficiently prepared.

If you do not arrive at CFI school properly prepared (i.e. Instructor level knowledge) in these subjects you will not be able to continue in the CFI program. You will, however, be allowed to come back to the program at additional cost at a later date when you are more prepared.

Below is a list of topics in which you need instructional knowledge BEFORE you arrive at CFI school. You will also find references so you can prepare appropriately. This study guide is not all inclusive and should not replace the PTS as a list of necessary subject matter. It is however a good representation of core knowledge and common CFI week areas.

Study the following topics and be able to:

Discuss and teach the following Multi-Engine Aerodynamics concepts:

  • Vmc - definition and the factors involved in determining
  • Aerodynamic Effects of an Engine Failure
  • Zero Sideslip
  • Critical Engine - define and discuss the factors involved in determining. Be able to discuss what the factors are and how they affect the critical engine
  • Airspeeds for Single Engine Performance
  • The relationship of Vmc and Stall Speed

This information can be found in:

Discuss and teach the following Airworthiness concepts:

  • Inspections
    • Annual
    • 100 Hour
    • ELT
    • VOR
    • Pitot Static
    • Transponder
  • Required Documents
  • Airworthiness Directives
  • Type Certificate Data Sheet
  • Required Equipment for Day VFR, Night, IFR
  • Be able to discuss the scenario of inoperative equipment using FAR 91.205 and 91.213
  • Be able to fill out and explain the ATP Airworthiness Worksheet (Available at the Training Center)

This information can be found in:

Discuss and teach the following Airspace concepts:

  • Classes of Airspace and basic facts about each
  • Difference between controlled and uncontrolled
  • VFR Departure Minimums
  • VFR Cloud Clearances
  • Communications procedures
  • Equipment required
  • Special Use Airspace
  • How each class is depicted on the Sectional Chart
  • Thorough knowledge of the Sectional

This information can be found in:

Discuss and teach the following Theory of Flight concepts:

  • Four fundamentals of flight (Airplane Flying Handbook 3-1)
  • Four forces of flight (4-1)
  • Lift (3-4)
  • Drag (types and causes) (4-4)
  • Total Drag Curve (4-6)
  • Flaps (types and use) (5-8)
  • Axes of Flight and Flight Controls (4-11; 5-2)
  • Stability (4-12)
  • Maneuvering Speed and relationship to weight (4-30)
  • V-G Diagram (4-32)
  • Stalls, Spins (4-22)
  • Angles of Attack and Incidence (5-4)
  • Density Altitude (3-3)
  • Different Airspeeds (Definitions) (8-2)

This information can be found in:

Discuss and teach the following Flight Instructor Responsibility concepts:

  • Aeronautical Experience Requirements for Private (61.109) and Commercial (61.129.B)
  • Flight Instructor regulations and record keeping (61.189; 61.191; 61.193; 61.195; 61.197; 61.199)
  • Endorsements
  • Practical Test Standards for Private, Commercial and CFI
    • Know the PTS parameters for the maneuvers and what maneuvers are required for each rating
    • Know how to use the PTS matrix

Have a working knowledge of Fundamentals of Instruction concepts

This information can be found in:

Complete the CFI Pre-Course Exam and Oral Review Questions

CFI Pre-Course Exam and Oral Review Questions

Study Common Weak Areas

Study the following topics which are some of the most common items that CFI candidates struggle with during CFI training and the oral portion of the CFI practical test:

For questions preparing for the CFI Program, please contact the Training Department at training@allatps.com or 800-ALL-ATPS.