Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Written Exam

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Written Exam

The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Written Exam evaluates your knowledge and teaching ability across a wide range of topics required to instruct student pilots. It includes aerodynamics, regulations, systems, weather, navigation, and instructional techniques. Below is a comprehensive guide to prepare effectively.

Exam Structure

Test Format: Multiple-choice questions.
Number of Questions: 100 questions (FAA).
Passing Score: 70% or higher.
Time Limit: 2 hours, 30 minutes.

Core Topics

1. Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)

The Learning Process:
- Definitions and principles of learning.
- Laws of learning: Readiness, exercise, effect, primacy, intensity, and recency.
- Types of learning: Rote, understanding, application, correlation.
Human Behavior:
- Motivations, needs, and defense mechanisms.
Effective Communication:
- Barriers to communication: Lack of common experience, interference, and distractions.
Teaching Methods:
- Guided discussion, demonstration-performance, and scenario-based training.
Critique and Evaluation:
- Characteristics of effective assessments.
Lesson Planning:
- Developing objectives and using instructional aids.

2. Aerodynamics and Aircraft Performance

Principles of Flight:
- Lift, weight, thrust, and drag relationships.
- Stability and control: Longitudinal, lateral, and directional.
Stalls and Spins:
- Aerodynamic causes and recovery techniques.
Performance Factors:
- Weight and balance effects.
- Aircraft performance charts and calculations.

3. Flight Maneuvers

Private and Commercial Maneuvers:
- Ground reference maneuvers, steep turns, and emergency operations.
Instrument Maneuvers:
- Basic attitude flying, tracking, and approach techniques.

4. Weather

Meteorology Basics:
- Air masses, fronts, and weather systems.
Weather Services:
- METARs, TAFs, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, and PIREPs.
Adverse Weather:
- Recognizing and avoiding hazardous weather conditions (icing, thunderstorms, turbulence).

5. Navigation

VFR Navigation:
- Use of sectional charts and plotters.
- Dead reckoning and pilotage.
Instrument Navigation:
- VOR, GPS, and NDB navigation.
- Holding patterns and instrument approaches.

6. FAA Regulations

14 CFR Part 61:
- Requirements for certificates, ratings, and endorsements.
14 CFR Part 91:
- General operating and flight rules.
CFI Responsibilities:
- Student endorsements, logbook entries, and avoiding "dual sign-offs."
Special Emphasis Areas:
- Decision-making, collision avoidance, and stall/spin awareness.

7. Aircraft Systems

Powerplant and Propeller:
- Reciprocating engine components and operation.
Electrical System:
- Alternator, battery, and circuit protection.
Flight Instruments:
- Pitot-static and gyroscopic systems.

8. Instructional Techniques

Common Errors:
- Errors students make during maneuvers and how to correct them.
Scenario-Based Training:
- Integrating realistic scenarios to teach decision-making.
Effective Demonstrations:
- Proper execution of maneuvers with clear explanations.

Study Tips

Master the FOI Topics:
- This section is highly theoretical but vital. Use mnemonics and practice writing answers to common questions.
Know Your Regulations:
- Be familiar with parts 61, 91, and 141, as well as instructor-specific regulations.
Teach to Learn:
- Practice explaining maneuvers and concepts as if teaching a student.
Focus on Weak Areas:
- Use practice exams to identify topics where you need improvement.
Review ACS Standards:
- Understand the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for the Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, and Instrument Rating levels, as these guide the CFI checkride.

Recommended Study Materials

ASA Certified Flight Instructor Test Prep – Covers all knowledge test topics with explanations.
Fundamentals of Instructing Handbook (FAA-H-8083-9) – Essential for FOI topics.
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25) – General aviation knowledge.
Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3) – Focus on flight maneuvers.
Aviation Instructor’s Handbook (FAA-H-8083-9) – Core guide for instructional techniques.

Practice Questions

Explain the characteristics of effective critiques and assessments.
What is the aerodynamic cause of a spin, and how would you teach spin recovery?
Describe how the pitot-static system works and what happens during a blockage.
Outline the endorsements required for a student’s first solo flight.

Final Tips

Take multiple practice exams to familiarize yourself with the question style.
Focus on being able to explain concepts clearly, as this skill will be tested in the practical portion of the CFI certification.
Keep a positive and professional mindset—this exam is as much about being a good teacher as it is about technical knowledge.

Let me know if you'd like help with specific practice questions or a deeper dive into any topic!

CLICK 👉 Private Pilot License (PPL) Written Exam

CLICK 👉 PPL Practical Exam (Checkride)

CLICK 👉 Basic Aerodynamics Exam

CLICK 👉 Aviation Weather and Meteorology Exam

CLICK 👉 Radio Telephony License (R/T) Exam

CLICK 👉 Navigation for PPL Exam

CLICK 👉 Aircraft Performance and Limitations Exam

CLICK 👉 Aviation Law and Regulations for PPL

CLICK 👉 Basic Flight Planning Exam

CLICK 👉 VFR Communications Exam

CLICK 👉 Night Rating Exam