Outline:

1. The Nature of the Test

   • It’s a teaching test, not a flying test.

   • The focus is on how well you instruct, brief, and explain—not just fly maneuvers.

2. Regulatory Foundations

   • 61.185 Requirements:

     • An authorized instructor must deliver training in:

       • Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)

       • Aeronautical knowledge for Recreational, Private, and Commercial levels

     • Home study is NOT valid as a substitute for ground instruction.

3. Aeronautical Experience Requirements

   • None exist under 61.183 for flight time minimums like 3 hours in 60 days.

   • Training is to proficiency, not hours.

4. Who Can Train a CFI Applicant?

   • Flight Instruction:

     • Must be a CFI for 2+ years AND:

       • Have 200 hours dual given, or

       • Recommended 5 applicants with 80% pass rate, or

       • Completed an Enhanced 141 Instructor Program

   • Ground Instruction:

     • Must be a CFI for 2+ years and given 40 hours ground, or

     • 100 hours of ground instruction in a 141-approved course

   • Spin Training:

     • Instructor must meet the above flight instructor qualification standards.

5. Major Changes in the CFI ACS

   • Risk Management now appears in every task.

   • FOI sections reorganized for clarity.

   • Sport Pilot & BasicMed content now tested.

   • Weather Theory tasks expanded.

   • Cross-Country Flight Plan:

     • Can now be electronic; must demonstrate and explain.

   • Weight and Balance:

     • Now merged into Performance and Limitations.

   • Principles of Flight:

     • Now includes forces acting on an airplane.

   • Lesson Plans:

     • Applicants may use pre-developed lesson plans (e.g., from a library).

   • Slow Flight:

     • Two acceptable methods permitted.

   • Secondary Stall:

     • Must now be a full stall demonstration.

   • Renewal/Reinstatement:

     • FOI knowledge can be tested by the DPE during these events.

6. Technical Subject Area Revisions (A/O II)

   • Task E – Flight Controls & Systems:

     • Combined into a single task.

   • Task H – Navigation and Radar Services:

     • Now includes Transponder Modes A, C, S and ADS-B.

   • Task J – Regulations & Publications:

     • Includes INFOs and SAFOs.

   • Task K – Endorsements and Logbook Entries:

     • Includes SFARs, Class B endorsements, and renewal/reinstatement signoffs.

   • Task N & M – High Altitude Operations:

     • Now separate tasks: Oxygen and Pressurization.

7. Resources to Succeed

   1. Teach Brief-Fly

      1. Visual preflight briefings for every maneuver.

   2. Smart Study Pro

      1. Every knowledge & risk element from the CFI ACS

      2. Audio + PDF + Video—built for commuting and review

   3. Online CFI Ground Course Preview

      1. 42-hour online curriculum

   4. Power Hour Archive

      1. 240+ recorded webinars and lessons for instructors