What is a Flight Instructor Rating?
The Flight Instructor Rating qualifies a licensed pilot to teach, to deliver flight instruction to student pilots. For many new commercial pilots it serves two purposes at once: it is a professional qualification in its own right, and it is one of the recognised ways to build the flight experience needed for an airline career.
SkyTeam offers a conditional opportunity to work as an instructor after graduation for qualified students, based on performance, results, conduct and the academy's internal assessment. This is not a guaranteed job for every student.
All Programs
Explore every training path at Sky Team Aviation.
Flight Training Requirements
The practical training concentrates on instructional technique, flying and teaching the standard exercises to the required standard per the relevant civil aviation authority. In total: 20 hrs flight & simulator (15 dual + 5 sim), plus 20 hrs briefing (ground time, not counted as flight hours), and 2 theory subjects.
What this program gives you
Work at respected flight schools.
Pursue career opportunities with airlines, charter operators, and private operators.
Gain hands-on experience in training.
Examinations & Your Pilot Journey
To obtain your Instructor Rating, you must complete 2 theory subjects (written exams) and the instructor skill test. This milestone sits on a structured aviation career path.
Instructor Skill Test
A practical skill test with a designated examiner who assesses both your flying and your ability to teach flight exercises to a student.
Your Path Beyond PPL
Your progression follows a structured pathway toward becoming a professional airline pilot.
Who Can Apply
To enrol in the Instructor Rating, you must hold the following prerequisite qualifications.
Valid CPL with Instrument Rating (IR) and Multi-Engine Rating (MER).
Class 1 medical certificate
English proficiency: ICAO English language proficiency, Level 4 minimum, is required.
Training fleet: Cessna 172, Piper PA-28, Beechcraft Baron 55, Diamond DA42.
Full requirements checklist
Hold a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Instrument Rating (IR) and Multi-Engine Rating (MER).
Pass the 2 SA-CAA theory subjects (written exams).
The course must cover the theory of instruction, along with delivering briefings for ground and air exercises.
Complete at least 20 hours of patter training.
Complete a combined practical and theory test conducted by an authorised examiner appointed by the SA-CAA.
What You Can Do With an Instructor Rating
The Flight Instructor Rating authorises you to provide flight instruction and build instructional hours.
Provide flight instruction within the rating’s scope
Build instructional flight time toward higher ratings
Conditional instructor opportunity for qualified graduates
Opportunity depends on performance, results and assessment
Time to Complete
2 months
Your training timeline depends on how consistently you train and how quickly you progress.
Training frequency
Student availability
Weather conditions
Learning pace
Training Cost
The cost of obtaining an Instructor Rating (CFI) depends on your training pace, flight hours, and overall progression.
Your investment is tailored to your training plan.
Every student progresses differently, which means your total investment is influenced by how consistently you train and how efficiently you build your flight hours.
Get Your Personalized Cost Breakdown
Speak with our team to receive a clear, structured breakdown tailored to your training plan, no commitment required.
Request Pricing DetailsWhy Students Choose Sky Team
In this video, we explain why students choose Sky Team Aviation Academy.
Instructor Rating FAQs
Common questions about CFI training at SkyTeam Aviation.
