← Back to Aviation Glossary
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.
Want to go beyond the definition? This term is covered in depth in AviatorPro's Flight Instructor ground school.
Learn more in Flight Instructor →Related Terms
- 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.
- Chart SupplementAn FAA publication (formerly the Airport/Facility Directory) with detailed airport data including frequencies, runway information, services, and remarks. Pilots use the Chart Supplement with sectional charts and EFBs during VFR flight planning.
- CheckrideThe practical test administered by a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) to evaluate a pilot applicant's knowledge and flying skills. It consists of an oral examination and a flight test, both evaluated against the Airman Certification Standards.
- Civil TwilightThe period after sunset or before sunrise when the sun is no more than 6 degrees below the horizon. The FAA defines night for logging purposes as the time between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight.