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CFI (Certified Flight Instructor)
A pilot who holds an FAA Flight Instructor certificate and is authorized to provide flight training. CFIs must hold at least a Commercial Pilot License and demonstrate teaching proficiency through written and practical examinations.
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- CFII (Certified Flight Instructor — Instrument)A flight instructor who holds an instrument instructor rating, authorizing them to provide instrument flight training. A CFII can sign off students for the Instrument Rating Knowledge Test and recommend them for the instrument checkride.
- Class B AirspaceControlled airspace surrounding the nation's busiest airports (e.g., LAX, JFK, ORD). Operations within Class B require an ATC clearance, a functioning transponder with Mode C, and at least a Private Pilot certificate (student pilots need specific endorsements).
- CRM (Crew Resource Management)A set of training procedures used in aviation to optimize human performance by reducing the effect of human error. CRM focuses on communication, situational awareness, problem-solving, decision-making, and teamwork among flight crew members.
- CrosswindA wind component that blows perpendicular to the aircraft's direction of travel, particularly relevant during takeoff and landing. Pilots use specific techniques (crab method or wing-low method) to compensate for crosswind conditions.