FAA certified flight instructor knowledge exam

The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) knowledge exam is an essential step for individuals seeking to become flight instructors in the United States. The exam evaluates the applicant's knowledge of aviation principles, regulations, procedures, and teaching methods. Here's an overview of the key topics that may be covered in the CFI knowledge exam:

1. Airspace

Classification of airspace (e.g., Class A, B, C, D, E, G)
Airspace requirements and restrictions
Special use airspace (e.g., MOAs, restricted airspace, prohibited areas)

2. Aerodynamics

Basic principles of flight (e.g., lift, thrust, drag, weight)
Flight control surfaces and their effects
Stall recovery and spin characteristics
Airplane performance (e.g., climb rates, turning radius, fuel consumption)

3. Aircraft Systems

Engine operation and performance
Electrical, hydraulic, and fuel systems
Instrumentation and how to interpret it
Aircraft limitations and emergency procedures

4. Flight Instruments

Understanding the six primary flight instruments (airspeed indicator, altimeter, vertical speed indicator, heading indicator, attitude indicator, and turn coordinator)
Interpretation of readings and understanding malfunctions

5. Flight Planning and Navigation

Use of aeronautical charts, flight plans, and navigation aids (e.g., VOR, GPS)
Route planning and fuel calculations
Weather interpretation and planning for different flight conditions
Cross-country flight planning

6. Regulations

Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) related to flight operations
Rules governing instructional flights
Legal and safety considerations for both students and instructors

7. Teaching Techniques and Learning Theories

Fundamentals of instruction (e.g., student-centered teaching)
Learning theories (e.g., cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains)
Instructional aids (e.g., use of visual aids, simulators, and ground school)
Evaluation and feedback techniques
Risk management and safety teaching strategies

8. Weather

Interpretation of METARs, TAFs, and weather briefings
Understanding weather phenomena (e.g., wind, visibility, cloud types)
Flight limitations due to weather, including IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) vs. VFR (Visual Flight Rules)

9. Human Factors

Aeromedical factors (e.g., hypoxia, fatigue, stress)
Pilot judgment and decision-making
Situational awareness and distraction management
Communication skills and crew resource management (CRM)

10. CFI-Specific Topics

Knowledge of the CFI responsibilities and regulations
Understanding of how to conduct a flight review
Techniques for teaching complex maneuvers and concepts
Documentation and record-keeping requirements for students
Scenario-based training and risk management

Study Resources:

FAA Test Guide: The FAA provides resources, including test guides and practice exams, which are helpful for preparing for the knowledge test.
AC 61-65H: This advisory circular provides detailed information about the knowledge test for flight instructors.
FAA Handbook: The FAA publishes a series of handbooks, such as the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and the Airplane Flying Handbook, which are comprehensive resources for flight training.

The CFI knowledge exam is a computer-based test that consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. A score of at least 70% is required to pass. Once you pass the knowledge exam, you'll move on to practical flight training and the check ride with an FAA examiner to earn your CFI certificate.

Would you like more details on a specific topic or guidance on preparing for the exam?

CLICK 👉 download 300 aviation books just 1 MB

CLICK 👉 AIRBUS A320 COURSE

CLICK 👉 BOEING 737 PILOT COURSE

CLICK 👉 BOEING 747 PILOT COURSE

CLICK 👉 BOEING 757 PILOT COURSE

CLICK 👉 BOEING 767 PILOT COURSE

CLICK 👉 BOEING 777 PILOT COURSE

CLICK 👉 BOEING 787 PILOT COURSE

CLICK 👉 CESSNA 150 PILOT COURSE

CLICK 👉 CESSNA 152 COURSE

CLICK 👉 CESSNA 162 SKYCATCHER