Flight instructor

Specific privileges granted to holders of a flight instructor qualification vary from country to country, but very generally, a flight instructor serves to enhance or evaluate the knowledge and skill level of an aviator in pursuit of a higher pilot's license, certificate or rating.

[4] The occupational privileges of instructors employed by flight schools regulated under 14 CFR parts 141 and 142 are further restricted.

Specific authorization is often required from the local controlling agency (Typically the flight standards district office) in order for instructors to conduct evaluations, for example.

Individuals wishing to give instruction in airplanes or powered-lift aircraft are additionally required to hold an instrument rating in the desired category and class.

All individuals desiring flight instructor privileges must pass two additional written exams (fundamentals of instruction, or FOI; and a knowledge test specific to the category of aircraft in which instructional privileges are desired, such as fixed-wing) as well as a practical test.

The CFI will spend hundreds of hours compiling data from various sources that cover all of the FAA required subject areas.

The Gold Seal is awarded to CFIs who maintain a high standard of performance and instructional effectiveness.

[7] In India there are three grades of flight instructors: A Pilot Instructor In-Charge (PII) and Deputy CFI (Dep.CFI) are variations of the PI and CFI ranks respectively, but they essentially hold the same certificate / rating issued by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

In Europe under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulatory system there are several different types of ratings for flight instruction.

The requirements may be limited to holding a commercial or airline transport license and having met certain experience levels (such as time on type and in class).

A Grade II instructor requires at least 200 hours of instruction experience, and can function without supervision in most types of training (instrument, night, commercial, multi-engine etc.).

A Grade I instructor is also eligible for appointment as a Class 1 Designated Flight Examiner (DFE-I).