Teach Instrument Flight!
Adding an instrument rating to your CFI certificate is a great way of improving your skills as both a flight instructor and as an instrument pilot. The CFI – Instrument Airplane rating will open more doors for you as a professional flight instructor.
- Online scheduling
- Part 61 and Part 141 programs available
- Traditional or Electronic Flight Instruments
- In-person or virtual ground school available
- VA-Approved
- Non-U.S. Citizens welcome!
- Our maintenance team will keep you flying
- Fuel and line service included
Privileges and Limitations
Adding an instrument rating to your flight instructor certificate will allow you to provide training to pilots seeking the following ratings and endorsements:
- Adding an Instrument – Airplane Rating
- Instrument training required for a Commercial Pilot certificate
- Instrument training required for an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate
- Conduct Instrument Proficiency Checks
Pre-Requisites
Before starting your Flight Instructor Instrument – Airplane training at Regal Air you must meet the following requirements:
- FAA issued Certificated Flight Instructor Certificate with an Airplane Single-Engine Rating
- Read, speak, and understand the English language
- 3rd Class medical privileges or BasicMed
Course Content
Ground Training
To add a Instrument Flight Instructor (CFII) rating to your CFI Certificate you will have to take ground training to prepare you for the FAA’s Flight Instructor Instrument – Airplane Knowledge Test (Added Rating) and for the practical test.
To prepare you for the Flight Instructor Instrument – Airplane (Added Rating) Knowledge Test you will take ground training in all knowledge areas required by the Instrument Airplane rating for a pilot certificate.
To prepare you for the Practical Test you will develop lesson plans and prepare to provide instruction in the following:
- Fundamentals of instructing and technical subject areas
- IFR preflight preparation and procedures
- ATC clearances and procedures
- Flight by reference to instruments
- Navigation aids
- Instrument approach procedures
- Emergency operations
We understand that everyone has a different schedule and different needs. We offer several options to complete ground training based on your personal needs:
- Take our in-person ground school in the classroom at Regal Air
- Take our ground school via Zoom
- Complete guided self-study with one of our instructors
- Complete a ground training course from a reputable 3rd party
Flight Training
Flight training for CFII candidates is provided by an experienced Certificated Instrument Flight Instructor (CFII). The purpose of this flight training is to teach you the skills, knowledge, and judgment required to safely teach others to fly under IFR in IMC, and to prepare you for the FAA’s Flight Instructor – Instrument Airplane Practical Test conducted by a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).
Flight Training Content
Our CFII training course has a two stages, each concluding with a Stage Check by one of our highly experienced Check Instructors. The course concludes with an End of Course Check, conducted by a Check Instructor, to ensure you are prepared for the practical test.
Stage 3
The focus of this stage is practicing and analyzing instrument flight and procedures. You will practice performing all of the procedures and maneuvers required by the FAA from the right seat.
Stage 4
In this stage you will practice flying and explaining all of the procedures and maneuvers you practiced in Stage 3. By the end of this stage, you should be able to perform all of the required procedures and maneuvers to the same standards required for an instrument rating, from the right seat, while explaining how to perform them.
Flight Instructors
At Regal Air we understand that one of the most important factors affecting the success of students during flight training is the relationship with their instructor. We have several CFIs who are qualified to provide training for CFII applicants and are able to meet your scheduling requirements.
Airplanes
The airplane you choose will have an impact on your flight training. We recommend choosing an avionics system that you are already familiar with to help you complete the training in a shorter amount of time. That being said, the CFII course could be a good way for you to learn how to use an avionics system that you have not used before to expand your skillset.
At Regal Air we have the following aircraft available for CFII training:
- Cessna C172 Skyhawk or Piper PA28 Warrior (Traditional)
Although traditional instruments are slowly being replaced by Electronic Flight Instrument Systems (EFIS), there are a large amount of aircraft used in general aviation that are still equipped with traditional gauges. Many flight schools use airplanes with older equipment due to the cost of replacing them with newer avionics. Thus, being able to provide instrument instruction in traditional instrument systems is a valuable skill. Additionally, the simpler avionics found in traditional aircraft can decrease the amount of training time required. - Cessna 172 Skyhawk G1000 (Technically Advanced Airplane TAA)
Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) are the future of General Aviation. These airplanes are equipped with a Primary Flight Display (PFD), Multi-Function Displays (MFD), and autopilot systems. The added complexity may increase the time required to complete your training, but knowing how to instruct in these advanced systems is a valuable skill. - Your own airplane
Regal Air can provide you with training in your own airplane! contact us about insurance requirements and if your airplane is a feasible option for Private Pilot training.
Maintenance and Line Support
One of our biggest advantages at Regal Air is the availability of line and maintenance support. Our large team of professional Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMT) ensures that our airplanes are in top shape and available for use when you need them. Our line crew tops off the airplane’s fuel tanks between flights so you don’t have to.
Course Requirements (Part 61)
Training may be completed under two sets of FAA regulations, Part 61 and Part 141.
There is no minimum hour requirement to complete this program under Part 61. That being said, most pilots need 15-20 hours of flight training to reach the level of proficiency required to pass the practical test. The amount of flight time is dependent on the applicant’s current instrument proficiency. The amount of ground training required will vary from individual to individual. The focus of the ground training is on practice instruction for all the technical subject areas and special emphasis areas applicable to the practical and knowledge tests required by the FAA. This ground training can vary from 10-30 hours.
- Receive all the required ground training
- Receive all the required flight training
- Pass the Flight Instructor – Instrument Airplane Knowledge Test (FII)
- Pass the FAA’s Practical Test for Flight Instructor – Airplane Single-Engine with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)
Course Requirements (Part 141)
Training may be completed under two sets of FAA regulations, Part 61 and Part 141.
The FAA requires Part 141 Flight Instrument Instructor (Additional Rating) training programs to have at least 15 hours of Ground Instruction. The 141 course is also required to have at least 15 hours of flight training.
- Receive all the required ground training (15 hours)
- Receive all the required flight training (15 hours)
- Pass all Stage Checks and Exams
- Pass the End of Course Check and Exam
- Pass the Flight Instructor – Instrument Airplane Knowledge Test (FII)
- Pass the FAA’s Practical Test for Flight Instructor – Airplane Single-Engine with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)
Course Costs
Part 61
$3,800 – $6,600
Part 141
$4,100 – $5,500
Regal Air works on a pay as you go system. There are no up-front costs to start flight training and you can simply pay for each lesson as you take it. We have a Premier Plan which can save you money as well as additional discounts if you make a deposit into an account at Regal Air. Please contact us about these options. Course costs vary greatly depending on the program chosen, the pilot’s background, and current level of proficiency. To help reduce costs you should:
- Research and prepare your lesson plans on your own, with CFI guidance
- Practice teaching aviation subjects to other people
- Prepare for your flights and know what will be performed ahead of time
- Rehearse for your flight lessons on your own
- Team up with another student to ride along and learn from each other
- Fly at least 2-3 times a week to ensure constant progress