Life as a CFI

Ten years ago, aspiring pilots could go to flight school, get their commercial pilot license, and be eligible to go to an airline. In 2013 that all changed when US Congress passed a law requiring all Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP) candidates to have a minimum of 1,500 total flight hours. This shook the industry and created a gap in the market that would eventually contribute to today's pilot shortage.

Before 2013 pilots could go to an airline with only 250 flight hours, presuming they had their commercial pilot license. From there, they would undergo rigorous airline pilot training. However, most did not go straight to the airlines because they were not competitive candidates with only 250 flight hours. Many would find other flying jobs towing banners, flying charter operations, etc. Perhaps the most popular route was to become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).