FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)RegulationsEasy
A commercial pilot is considering offering flight instruction for compensation. Which of the following certificates or ratings is required for a pilot to give flight instruction in an aircraft?
- AA flight instructor certificate with the appropriate aircraft category and class rating.
- BAn airline transport pilot certificate with an airplane category and class rating.
- CA commercial pilot certificate and an instrument rating, regardless of the instruction type.
- DA commercial pilot certificate with an airplane category and class rating.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. A flight instructor certificate with the appropriate aircraft category and class rating.
14 CFR 61.183(a) states that to be eligible for a flight instructor certificate, a person must hold either a commercial pilot certificate or an airline transport pilot certificate with an aircraft category and class rating appropriate to the flight instruction being given, AND a flight instructor certificate.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. An ATP certificate is an acceptable prerequisite, but the flight instructor certificate is still required.
- C. An instrument rating is required for instrument instruction, but not for all types of flight instruction, and the flight instructor certificate is still the primary requirement.
- D. While necessary as a prerequisite, a commercial certificate alone is not sufficient to give flight instruction.
Flight Instructor Certificate Requirement
To give flight instruction in an aircraft for compensation, a pilot must hold a flight instructor certificate with the appropriate aircraft category and class rating.
- Flight instructor certificate is mandatory.
- Must hold appropriate category and class ratings.
- Commercial or ATP certificate is a prerequisite for CFI.
Memory trick: To teach to fly, a CFI you must be, with the right class and category.