Certified Flight Instructor — Helicopter
The CFI is where you stop learning to fly and start learning to teach flying. The Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) knowledge test is the gateway, and the practical test puts your teaching skill on display under DPE scrutiny. This track covers everything an FOI-eligible candidate needs.
FAR 61.183 — Eligibility
- Hold a Commercial or ATP certificate with helicopter category and class rating
- Hold an instrument rating in helicopters (or attain it during CFI training — most do them together as CFI/CFII)
- Pass the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) knowledge test
- Pass the Flight Instructor (FIA-RH) knowledge test for helicopters
- Hold a valid medical certificate (third class is sufficient for instructing — second class is required if exercising commercial privileges)
- Have logged at least 15 hours of helicopter PIC before the practical test
- Complete the practical test
The certificate is valid for 24 calendar months from the month of issue, renewal, or reinstatement. Renew via flight check, refresher course (FIRC), or specific endorsements (e.g., 5 students recommended for certificates with 80% pass rate).
Course Modules
1. Fundamentals of Instruction
Human behavior, the learning process, defense mechanisms, communication barriers (COIL), and the teaching process.
2. Lesson Planning & Assessment
Course of training, blocks of learning, lesson plans, scenario-based training, and assessment methodology.
3. Instructor Responsibilities
Code of conduct, professionalism, student supervision, dealing with stress and anxiety, flight reviews.
4. Endorsements & Recordkeeping
Required endorsements, FAR citations, recordkeeping standards, and the CFI's regulatory exposure.
5. Teaching Risk Management & SBT
Teaching the ADM frameworks, SRM, scenario construction, hazardous attitude self-recognition drills, and personal minimums.
6. Teaching Maneuvers
How to break down hover, autorotation, slope ops, confined area, VRS recovery, and run-on landing for student instruction.
Reference Material
- FAA-H-8083-9B: Aviation Instructor's Handbook — primary FOI reference
- FAA-H-8083-4: Helicopter Instructor's Handbook
- FAA-H-8083-21: Helicopter Flying Handbook
- FAA-H-8083-2: Risk Management Handbook
- 14 CFR § 61.183: Eligibility for flight instructor certificate
- 14 CFR § 61.187: Flight instructor practical test areas
- 14 CFR § 61.197: Renewal requirements
- AC 61-65: Certification of pilots and flight instructors — endorsement templates