CFI/I Time Expectations

[ktulu34535]

Any input is appreciated.

I have about 2.5 months to dedicate totally, and I mean 5 days a week, 8-10 hours a day to getting my CFI/I.

Is it reasonable given the amount of time I am willing to spend a day that I could accomplish this in my timeframe? Would It be more realistic to only go for the CFI.

I haven't had any success with finding a school in Daytona that fits my time frame, I'm not going to pay for riddle and American Flyers honestly did not impress me with what they had to say. Sounds like a lot of money for a glorified ground school.

Any advice?

 

[jdog78]

2.5 months is more than enough time to get all three instructor ratings, in my opinion. In fact, if you're as dedicated as you sound, you could probably get them in under 2 months.
Your initial rating will be the most challenging because of the infamous "Fundamentals of Instruction." That is an extremely important part of the initial, and probably the most time-consuming. As far as the flying portion, you must be able to perform all maneuvers to commercial standards. In other words, if you're current and proficient, this should not be a problem for you. CFII and MEI can be done within a week...I did both at the same time in about five days.
Where to do this? AllATPs (www.allatps.com) has various locations in FL and throughout the US where they do a quick and dirty two week school for all three instructor ratings. I never attended this school, but if time is of the essence, then it may be a good place to go. Also look at local FBOs because they'll probably have an instructor or two qualified to teach CFIs and that are flexible and can push you through as fast or as slow as you need to go.

-j

 

[bobbysamd]

CFI-I

2 1/2 months are more than enough time, especially if you can work at it full time. You can do it in less if you're just off your Commercial single and instrument ratings.

I gather that you're in Florida. Try giving
FlightSafety in Vero a call. 1-800-800-1411. FlightSafety, Comair, or any of the major Florida schools, can work with you on getting a CFI. You don't necessarily have to be a 141 student to enroll.

Hope that helps. Good luck with your training.

 

[Thedude]

Just remember, wherever you get CFI is probably where you are gonna be working.

I went to Riddle in DAB an peronsally they are a little to Nazi-ezque for me and I also used to work for American Flyers or as we called it American Lyers. Flew a lot but only made $7/hr. I think that is almost criminal.

 

[ktulu34535]

american flyers

Well, I think I found a place, Phoenix East in Daytona. My fiance works with the soon to be ex assitant cheif flight instructor (not a bad thing since he got hired on by Northwest for 737s)

They were able to put a plan together Part 61, that seems it would be able to benefit me. He is having me do my Instrument first, not sure if this is the best way to go because I am just off of my Commercial de ride about three weeks ago. Should I push for CFI initial first?

American Lyers is right, got that nice lying ad about their CFI academy, lying about no checkride as well. 3000 for a glorified ground school, I'm not saying its not good for some people but for me, who needs some instrument work to get back up to par, it doesn't suit me.

Thanks for all the advice, I am in Daytona, I would definitely go Flight Safety if it wasn't that far away. I was willing to drive to Kissimee but Vero is a stretch, thats a lot of mileage in one day.

 

[bobbysamd]

CFI-I as initial CFI certificate

You raise a good question. I got my initial CFI as a CFI-I, primarily because my training took place over several years and because my work schedule was lousy during most of those years. I had earned my limited Commercial (VFR only) before I had earned my Instrument. My instructor thought that since I was fresh off my Instrument ride and could use the same examiner that I should get my CFI-I first. So, it can be done.

You might discuss it further with the Daytona East people. Asked them for their rationale. I think a good rule of thumb is the last pilot practical you took should be your first CFI certificate. E.g., many people get their initial Commercial-Instrument in the multi. They are fresh off those practicals, so they jump into the right seat of the multi and get initial CFI as MEI and/or CFI-I. High workload for the practical, for sure, but effective.

Good luck with your training.

 

[tk855]

BobbySamd brings up a good point about getting your CFI-I first. I just recently put my first CFI-I applicant through, and we were talking about this before his checkride.

If you get the CFI-I first, it seems like a little less workload than the CFI. With the CFI as your initial, you will have to learn FOI, plus all of the aerodynamics. It makes for a challenging oral, to say the least. With getting the CFI-I as your initial, you only need to brush up on the instrument, and then add the FOI on top of that. Then, when you take your CFI ride, the FOI questions should be minimal since you have already been tested on them. You can then focus on becoming an aerodynamics, systems, and everything else expert.

See what you think about it?? I would also follow Bobbysamd's advice, think about what your last checkride was. What are you the most current on. Good luck.

tk

 

[Timebuilder]

Knowlege is POWER

I recall that several posters here had some things to say about Phoenix East. I recommend you do a search, or start a new thread asking for former students and employees to share some experiences.

Someone above asked where you would be working. I always recommend doing the instructor ratings at a school where you have a very good chance of being HIRED to use those new certificates. If you want multi time, you need to pick a school that does multi instruction in well maintained airplanes.

What good is an instructor certificate if you can't get a job teaching?

 

[ktulu34535]

thanks for the advice

I'll be looking around for comments, but Phoenix east has a pretty good reputation with riddle people. A lot of people who drop out of the flight program at Riddle go east.