Flight instructor privileges

A flight instructor certificate authorizes you to provide ground and flight training, conduct certain checks, and issue endorsements for various certificates and ratings—including student pilot, pilot, flight instructor, ground instructor, aircraft, and instrument ratings. You can also endorse pilots for flight reviews, currency requirements, practical tests, and knowledge tests.

Additionally, CFIs can accept and process student pilot certificate applications (and remote pilot certificate applications for existing pilots who are current on flight reviews). This includes verifying the applicant's identity and confirming they meet eligibility requirements.

However, these privileges don't allow you to conduct operations that would otherwise require an air carrier certificate, operating certificate, or special authorization from the FAA. In practical terms, this means you can instruct within general aviation training but cannot use your CFI certificate alone to conduct commercial operations like Part 135 charter flights or airline training that requires additional operational approvals.

*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.*