Length of training for CFI and others

[stmi0203]

I'll be earning instructor licenses this spring at my local FBO. I'm trying to estimate the length of training (in flight hours) for CFI, CFII, and MEI. Anyone care to chime in about training took for each of these licenses? I've heard there is more ground instruction with the CFI compared to other licenses because the student is demonstrating teaching skills to the instructor, is this the case? Also, how challenging is the FOI in comparison to other licenses?

 

[pa31capt]

CFI in about 12 hours after commercial, gave about 500 hrs dual then started CFII took about 4 hours of flight time, mostly just to get current since flying from the right seat was pretty natural at that point. No MEI so can't help there

 

[nosehair]

That's like asking how long it will take to solo.

If - big if - if you really have the knowledge and skill you should posses, according to each task and line item in the PTS, when you do your Private, Commercial, and Instrument checkrides, and you can retain all that knowledge and skill and repeat it in the right seat, it shouldn't take but 10 or 12 hours....

but in most cases, the cfi training becomes a period where you find missing knowledge and insufficent skill and patch that up while trying to learn to teach it too, so it is a very big variable, like hours to solo.

 

[Ray Finkle]

These estimates are about right on. I came back after several years, got sidetracked by 9/11, and got my CFI, took around 8-10 Dual and some probably bout the same solo to get my groove back. "Big" part was the ground...FOI and all that.

CFII - yeah, bout 5 hours flying.

No MEI, but from what Ive seen, if you are current, probably no more than 5-6 hours.

 

[nosehair]

No MEI, but from what Ive seen, if you are current, probably no more than 5-6 hours.

Remember that you must have 15 hours PIC in category and class (61.183(j)) for the flight instructor rating sought, so you will need at least enough 'sole manipulator' time after your multi rating.
Plan on taking this much dual time to get the MEI.

Engine cuts and such are much more dangerous in a light twin than in a single. Don't short-change your training in this area.

 

[Ray Finkle]

Remember that you must have 15 hours PIC in category and class (61.183(j)) for the flight instructor rating sought, so you will need at least enough 'sole manipulator' time after your multi rating.
Plan on taking this much dual time to get the MEI.

Engine cuts and such are much more dangerous in a light twin than in a single. Don't short-change your training in this area.

Good point, I stand corrected, I was thinking of my personal situation where I already had that time. Thanks!

 

[PURPLEHAZE21]

When you feel "ready", then go for it regardless of the hours flown. Its better to be overprepared for your test then to sit with the examiner and recieve the "ultimate"...pink slip. Good Luck