How to Be Flight Instructor Pilot - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 4, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The cause and effect of a Flight Instructor Pilot are immense. A Flight Instructor Pilot provides the necessary knowledge and skills to teach others how to fly a plane. This is an important step in the process of becoming a commercial pilot, as it provides the student with the fundamentals of aviation and the confidence to take on more advanced tasks.

Furthermore, the instructor teaches students about the safety protocols, techniques and strategies needed to safely operate an aircraft. Their guidance and experience can be invaluable to a new pilot, ensuring they have a safe and successful flight. the instructor can help build a student's self-confidence and ensure they have a positive experience throughout the training process.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Commercial Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This requires passing a written and practical exam.
Obtain an Instrument Rating. This is a separate rating that allows pilots to fly in instrument meteorological conditions.
Obtain a Flight Instructor Certificate from the FAA. This requires passing a written test and a practical exam.
Obtain a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Certificate from the FAA. This requires passing a written and practical exam.
Obtain a Multi-Engine Rating. This is a separate rating that allows pilots to fly airplanes with more than one engine.
Obtain a Multi-Engine Instructor Rating. This requires passing a written and practical exam.
Obtain an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate from the FAA. This requires passing a written, practical, and medical exam.
Obtain an Instructor Authorization from the FAA. This requires passing a written and practical exam, as well as completing an instructor course.
Obtain experience in teaching and training students in the aircraft you will be instructing in. This experience can be gained through working as an instructor at an aviation school or working for an airline as an instructor pilot.

Staying ahead and qualified as a Flight Instructor requires dedication and consistency. Keeping up with the latest industry knowledge and regulations not only ensures you remain a valuable instructor, but it also gives you the confidence and credibility to best serve your students. To stay ahead, it is important to attend industry conferences and workshops, read industry publications, and take part in continuing education courses.

Further, it is important to stay abreast of the latest FAA regulations, aircraft designs, and safety protocols. By keeping current on these topics, Flight Instructors can remain on top of their profession and ensure they are providing the highest level of instruction to their students.

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Job Description

Provide instruction to students on the fundamentals of aviation, including aircraft systems, aerodynamics, navigation, and flight regulations.
Assess student performance and provide constructive feedback to help them improve their skills.
Plan and execute flight training activities according to the syllabus and FAA regulations.
Administer oral and written examinations to measure student progress.
Monitor weather conditions and airspace regulations to ensure safe completion of flights.
Maintain knowledge of current aviation technologies and industry trends.
Document student progress and flight activities in compliance with FAA regulations.
Maintain aircraft logbooks and other required documentation.
File flight plans and obtain required clearances from air traffic control.
Ensure that aircraft are in airworthy condition prior to flight operations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of aircraft systems and operational procedures
Ability to explain and demonstrate flight maneuvers
Ability to teach to the specific needs of the student
Ability to assess and evaluate student performance
Ability to recognize and manage risks during flight
Knowledge of aviation regulations and guidelines
Ability to plan and execute cross-country flights
Knowledge of airspace and weather conditions
Ability to maintain effective communication with Air Traffic Control
Ability to use advanced avionics and navigation systems

Being a Flight Instructor Pilot is a challenging and rewarding job that requires a variety of different skills. One of the most important skills to have as a Flight Instructor Pilot is the ability to effectively communicate and work with people. Being able to clearly explain complex concepts and procedures in an understandable way is essential for helping students learn and develop the skills necessary for becoming a safe and competent pilot.

having strong problem solving skills can be invaluable when it comes to dealing with unexpected situations in the air or on the ground. Lastly, having a deep knowledge of aviation rules and regulations is vital for ensuring that all flights are conducted in a safe and legal manner. All these skills are essential for successful Flight Instructor Pilots, as they help to ensure that students learn the correct way to fly and remain safe in the air.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a Flight Instructor Pilot?
What is your approach to teaching and training students?
How would you handle a student who is struggling with a concept or skill?
What strategies do you use to ensure that the flight environment is safe and secure?
What challenges have you faced in your experience as a Flight Instructor Pilot?
How have you adapted to changing regulations or technologies in the aviation industry?
How do you motivate students to reach their full potential as pilots?
What methods do you use to evaluate student progress and performance?
How do you respond to difficult or challenging questions from students?
Describe a successful lesson plan that you have used in the past.

Common Tools in Industry

Flight Simulator. A software program used to simulate an aircraft's controls and responses to pilot input. (eg: Microsoft Flight Simulator)
Aviation Chart Software. Software used to view and analyze aeronautical charts for navigation. (eg: Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro)
Logbook Software. Software that helps pilots track flight hours, aircraft information, and other flight data. (eg: LogTen Pro)
Weather Software. Software that provides pilots with real-time weather information and forecasts. (eg: ForeFlight)
Voice Recognition Software. Software that allows pilots to control the aircraft using voice commands. (eg: Dragon Naturally Speaking)
Flight Planning Software. Software designed to help pilots plan out their flight routes, calculate fuel requirements, and other essential calculations. (eg: FltPlan Go)
Air Traffic Control Software. Software that helps pilots manage communication with air traffic controllers and other aircraft in the area. (eg: Air Traffic Control Radar Simulator)
Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). A portable device containing navigation charts, weather data, and other navigation aids. (eg: Garmin Pilot)

Professional Organizations to Know

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI)
International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI)
Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)
International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA)
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA)
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA)
National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA)

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Common Important Terms

Flight Instructor Certificate. A certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that allows an individual to teach and certify pilots for a variety of aircraft.
Aircraft Endorsement. A specific authorization to fly a particular type of aircraft. An aircraft endorsement is a prerequisite for a flight instructor certificate.
Aeronautical Knowledge. The set of skills related to the operation of aircraft and the navigation of an aircraft in the air.
Flight Training. A combination of classroom, simulator, and in-flight instruction that is required for a student pilot to obtain a pilot certificate.
Flight Maneuvers. Specific movements of an aircraft during flight, such as climbs, turns, and descents.
Airspace Regulations. Rules set forth by the FAA that outline how aircraft must operate in certain areas of the sky.
Aircraft Performance. How an aircraft responds to control inputs and changes in environmental conditions, such as wind speed and direction.
Weather Theory. The study of atmospheric conditions and their effects on aircraft performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of certification is required to become a Flight Instructor Pilot?

To become a Flight Instructor Pilot, you must possess a Flight Instructor Certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

How many hours of flight experience are necessary to become a Flight Instructor Pilot?

To become a Flight Instructor Pilot, you must have a minimum of 250 hours of flight experience.

What qualifications must a Flight Instructor Pilot have?

A Flight Instructor Pilot must have a valid medical certificate, be at least 18 years old, hold a commercial pilot certificate and pass an instructor knowledge test.

What are the responsibilities of a Flight Instructor Pilot?

The primary responsibility of a Flight Instructor Pilot is to provide instruction to students on the rules and regulations of flying, as well as the necessary skills and knowledge required to safely operate a plane.