Yes, you can become a Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) without first obtaining a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate with an airplane single-engine or multi-engine land rating. This means it is possible to hold an instructor certificate for instrument flying without holding an instructor certificate for basic airplane maneuvers (single-engine or multi-engine).
Understanding CFI vs. CFII
To clarify, let's break down these common acronyms in aviation:
- CFI (Certified Flight Instructor): This broadly refers to the foundational instructor certificate. When people say "CFI," they often specifically mean a CFI with an airplane single-engine land (ASEL) rating, which allows you to teach primary flight training for licenses like the Private Pilot Certificate. A CFI can also hold a multi-engine (AMEL) rating or other category/class ratings.
- CFII (Certified Flight Instructor Instrument): This is an additional rating that can be added to a CFI certificate. It specifically authorizes the instructor to provide instrument flight instruction.
The Path to Initial CFII
The regulations permit your initial flight instructor certification to be for the CFII rating. This means you do not need to pass a CFI practical test for single-engine or multi-engine aircraft first. You can go directly for your CFII.
Practical Implications:
- Focused Instruction: A pilot might choose this path if their primary goal is to teach instrument flight procedures, approaches, and regulations, often to pilots who already possess a private or commercial pilot certificate but wish to add an instrument rating.
- No VFR Primary Training Authority: If you only hold a CFII and not a CFI (ASEL or AMEL), you would not be authorized to teach basic VFR (Visual Flight Rules) maneuvers, prepare students for their initial private pilot checkride, or teach commercial pilot maneuvers. Your instruction authority would be limited to instrument flight instruction.
- Efficiency for Experienced Pilots: This can be a more direct route for experienced instrument-rated commercial pilots who wish to begin instructing in their area of expertise without the need to first qualify for and instruct in basic VFR operations.
Requirements for CFII
To become a CFII, you generally need to meet specific requirements, which include:
- Hold at least a Commercial Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating.
- Meet specific aeronautical experience requirements.
- Receive ground and flight instruction from an authorized instructor.
- Pass a knowledge test on areas such as aerodynamics, regulations, and instrument instruction techniques.
- Pass a practical test (checkride) with an FAA Examiner, demonstrating your ability to teach instrument flying.
By following this pathway, an individual can indeed become a certified flight instructor specifically for instrument flying, even if they have not yet obtained the ratings to instruct in basic visual flight operations for single or multi-engine aircraft.
