CFI Flight Training

If you’re contemplating the pursuit of CFI flight training, appropriate research will lead you to the best choice of school to attend. We’re confident this due diligence will lead you to Paragon Flight where flexibility and effective training meet.

CFI Flight TrainingParagon Flight is conveniently located in Fort Myers, FL, the hub of air transportation in Southwest Florida. Several practice fields are in the area, and the weather is perfect for flying over 350 days of the year.

Paragon Flight provides flight training under the authority of Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Parts 61 and 141.

We train students using top-notch equipment including the Cessna 172 Skyhawk, the Cessna Stationair C206H, the Cirrus SR20 and SR22, and the Piper PA-44 Seminole. Each of our planes is outfitted with the most current technology, including Glass Cockpit navigation equipment commonly used in modern aircraft.

Paragon Flight is proud to find itself frequently on the receiving end of awards in honor of our effectiveness as a training school. We’re commonly known as the best flight school in Florida, and perhaps the entire country, and we invite you to contact the Chief Flight Instructor to discuss your plans and tour our facility.

Is a Part 61 or Part 141 Flight School Right for You?

Flight schools are generally either authorized by Federal Aviation Regulations under Part 61 or Part 141. Paragon Flight, however, is fortunate enough to offer both Part 61 and Part 141 flight training options.

The standards are the same for both options, but the level of flexibility, minimum requirements, and accountability measures differ.

The minimum amount of logged flight time is one difference. For example, Part 61 requires 40 hours for the private pilot certificate, while Part 141 only requires 35 hours. However, most pilots put in at least 65 hours to achieve this certificate, so this difference is often not impactful.

Part 61 is more flexible and less complicated. The instructor is able to adjust lesson content and sequencing to meet your goals even though specific subjects do need to be taught.

On the other hand, Part 141 flight training is more structured and overseen more strictly. Documentation plays a major part of this option, and class content is mandated and inflexible. For full-time students, this approach is the better option, and it’s actually required if you’re using GI funds for financing.

Choosing between the two training options will largely depend on your lifestyle, goals, timetable, and financing options.

Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

The training to become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) should follow a Commercial rating designation.

The specific steps for Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) training include:

  • Earn a valid Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate
  • Earn the appropriate category and class rating for the flight instructor rating you’re seeking
  • Have a minimum of 3rd Class Medical
  • Be a minimum of 18 years old
  • Communicate fluently in English in spoken and written form
  • Log at least 15 hours as the Pilot in Charge (PIC) in the appropriate category and class of aircraft
  • Earn an endorsement in instruction of:
    • Stall awareness
    • Spin entry
    • Spins
    • Spin Recover
  • Pass the FAA written exam
  • Pass the FAA oral and practical exams

Paragon Flight is one of the best places to receive CFI flight training in the country. We offer the best instructors around and use Jeppesen curriculum, often considered the supreme option for flight instruction. Give us a call at (239) 274-3170 for more information.