Build flight hours
Instructor ratings are the primary path to the hours required for airline or corporate employment.
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Flight Instructor Ratings: CFI, CFII & MEI
CFI, CFII, MEI · West Jordan, Utah. Individually or as the final phase of the airline careers pathway.
Duration
3–6 months
Investment
From $3,977.50
Certification
CFI / CFII / MEI
FIG. 01 · Instructor Ratings
Why Instruct
The best pilots teach
Sharpen your flying
Teaching forces you to understand the material in a way personal flying alone cannot replicate.
One rating or all three
Pursue CFI, CFII, and MEI individually or work through all three in a continuous block.
Instructor Ratings
CFI, CFII, and MEI
Pursue ratings individually or sequence back-to-back on the airline careers pathway. Most pathway students complete all three in a continuous block.
| Rating | FAA-approved curriculum | Part 61 | Writtens | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFI | 25-hour course | Proficiency-based with endorsement | FOI, FIA | Commercial (single-engine), Instrument Rating, First- or Second-Class medical |
| CFII | 15-hour course | Proficiency-based with endorsement | FII | CFI Certificate, Instrument Rating |
| MEI | Proficiency-based | Proficiency-based | n/a | CFI Certificate, Commercial with Multi-Engine Rating, valid FAA medical |
For comparison only. Upper Limit Aviation may or may not offer some courses in the FAA-approved curriculum due to FAA approval cycles.
Financing
Funding options
Stratus student loans, Edly, 529/my529, and VA vocational benefits.
See Financing OptionsVeteran and international enrollment: ask admissions.
Consultation
Build your instructor portfolio
Starting with CFI or completing all three. Admissions follows up with a training plan for your timeline and goals.