Flight proficiency

Before you can take the flight instructor practical test, you must receive training from an authorized instructor on specific areas of operation and get a logbook endorsement certifying you're proficient in them. The required areas vary by the rating you're seeking—for example, single-engine airplane CFI applicants must cover 14 areas including fundamentals of instructing, slow flight and stalls (including spins), and basic instrument maneuvers, while multiengine adds multiengine operations but excludes spins.

Each rating has its own list: helicopter includes hovering maneuvers, glider covers soaring techniques, and instrument rating focuses on IFR-specific topics like approach procedures. The training can be completed in an actual aircraft of the appropriate category and class, or in an approved simulator or training device at a Part 142 training center. This regulation ensures CFI applicants demonstrate teaching proficiency across all relevant flight operations before certification.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*