Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument
The Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) Certificate allows you to teach pilots pursuing their Instrument Rating while refining your own instrument knowledge, decision-making, and instructional abilities.
Duration
3 - 8 weeks
Aircraft
Cessna 172 or G1000
Location
Tucson, AZ
Estimated Investment
Adjust the hours as needed to refine your estimate.
Aircraft (
hrs x $170)
$1000
Ground (
hrs x $65)
$1000
Flight Instruction (
hrs x $65)
$1000
Pre/Post Instruction (
lessons x $32.60)
$1000
Estimated Total
$1000
* This is an estimate based on FAA minimum completion and is subject to change based on prior experience.
Program overview
At Waypoint Aviation, our CFII Mentorship Program is designed for instructors who want more than another certificate. It is built for educators who want to confidently teach instrument flying, prepare students for real-world IFR operations, and become leaders within the aviation community.
A Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument is authorized to provide instrument flight training and endorse applicants for the Instrument Rating practical test. CFIIs teach pilots to safely operate under Instrument Flight Rules while developing sound aeronautical decision-making, advanced aircraft control, weather evaluation, and IFR procedures. Because instrument flying requires a high level of precision, CFIIs are expected to be among the most knowledgeable instructors in aviation. What makes Waypoint different?Many new CFIIs discover that understanding IFR procedures and explaining them effectively are two very different skills. Waypoint's mentorship program focuses on both. Throughout training you'll learn not only what to teach, but how to teach instrument flying in a way that builds safe, confident pilots.
A Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument is authorized to provide instrument flight training and endorse applicants for the Instrument Rating practical test. CFIIs teach pilots to safely operate under Instrument Flight Rules while developing sound aeronautical decision-making, advanced aircraft control, weather evaluation, and IFR procedures. Because instrument flying requires a high level of precision, CFIIs are expected to be among the most knowledgeable instructors in aviation. What makes Waypoint different?Many new CFIIs discover that understanding IFR procedures and explaining them effectively are two very different skills. Waypoint's mentorship program focuses on both. Throughout training you'll learn not only what to teach, but how to teach instrument flying in a way that builds safe, confident pilots.
Our mentorship includes:
Advanced teaching techniques
Scenario-based IFR instruction
Student error recognition
Instrument lesson planning
Mock teaching lessons
Real-world IFR decision making
Professional instructor development
Career mentorship
CFII requirements
CFI Certificate
Hold a Certified Flight Instructor Certificate.
Instrument Rating
Hold an Instrument Rating.
Pilot certificate
Must hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate.
Receive endorsements
Must receive the required endorsements
MEET REQUIREMENTS
Meet the FAA elibigility requirements.
Pass the test
Pass the FAA practical test.
What You Will Learn
Instrument teaching techniques
Fundamentals of teaching IFR
Instrument scan instruction
IFR regulations
IFR navigation
Holding procedures
Instrument approaches
Missed approaches
Lost communications
And so much more! Read our in-depth guide for more detailed information on what you will learn throughout the course.
Read in-depth guidePhases of Training
Phase 1 - Instructor Evaluation
We'll evaluate your current instructional ability, instrument knowledge, and IFR teaching skills.
Phase 2 - Teaching Instrument Fundamentals
Learn to Teach:
Instrument scan
Aircraft control
Navigation
IFR regulations
Weather
ATC communications
Phase 3 - Teaching IFR Procedures
Develop Lesson Plans Covering:
Holding
Instrument departures
Enroute procedures
STARs
Instrument approaches
Missed approaches
Lost communications
Alternate planning
Phase 4 - Advanced Scenario-Based Instruction
Teach REalistic Scenarios Involving:
Weather decisions
Equipment failures
Partial panel
Diversions
ATC reroutes
Risk management
Phase 5 - Checkride Preparation
Complete:
Mock oral exams
Mock teaching lessons
Mock flight instruction
Endorsement review
Final proficiency evaluation
Investment Estimate
Training Scenario
Proficient Applicant
Typical Average
Extended
Flight Training
6 hours
10 hours
15 hours
Aircraft Rental ($170/hr)
$1,020
$1,700
$2,550
Flight Instruction ($65/hr)
$390
$650
$975
Ground Instruction ($65/hr)
$650(~10 hours)
$975(~15 hours)
$1,300(~20 hours)
Pre/post instruction (.5 per flight)
$98
$163
$260
Estimated Training Total
$2,158
$3,488
$5,085
CFII Mentorship Program
Our mentorship extends beyond the certificate.
Students receive coaching on:
- Building an instrument student syllabus
- Teaching difficult IFR concepts
- Creating lesson plans
- Student retention
- Instructor professionalism
- Building confidence
- Career development
- Becoming a mentor yourself
Frequently asked questions
Do I need another FAA knowledge test?
No. There is no additional FAA knowledge test required for the CFII certificate if you already hold a Flight Instructor Certificate and Instrument Rating.
How long does CFII training usually take?
Most applicants complete training in 3–8 weeks, depending on availability and proficiency.
Is there much flying?
Compared to the initial CFI, no.
Most applicants spend more time refining instrument teaching techniques than learning new flight maneuvers.
Can I complete CFII while instructing full time?
Absolutely.
The program is designed around working flight instructors and can be scheduled around your students.
Why should I earn my CFII?
Adding the CFII allows you to teach instrument students, expand your instructional opportunities, build additional flight time, and become a more versatile instructor.
It also makes you more competitive for flight schools, independent instruction, and future airline or corporate opportunities.
Ready to begin your training?
Your first step is a one-on-one mentorship consultation. Fill out the form below to get started. We will discuss things such as: CFI experience, instrument proficiency, teaching strengths, training timeline, and more.