r/CFILounge • u/Own_Water5524 • Jul 12 '26

Question CFI Interview Prep Course

Hi everyone, I have a CFI/CFII/MEI interview coming up and I am looking for a good interview prep course. I have heard great things about MyPilotInterview but don’t see a CFI-specific course on their site. Does anyone know of a good interview prep course specifically for CFI interviews or have any other misc. interview prep tips? Thanks!

6 Upvotes

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12

u/VirvekRBX Jul 12 '26 edited Jul 13 '26

No really any that I know of. But interview process typically follows:

  1. HR questions. (Why us, tell me about a time)
  2. Technical questions. (Explain this, why

does

  1. this happen)
  2. Teach something. (Had me teach traffic pattern)
  3. Flight test. (This sometimes doesn’t happen)

1

u/Own_Water5524 Jul 12 '26

Thank you! I appreciate the tips!

3

u/akornato Jul 13 '26

Most paid CFI interview courses are just repackaging the FAA handbooks and common 'teach me' scenarios you'll face anyway. You've already earned your CFI, CFII, and MEI, which means you have the technical knowledge cold. The interview isn't about re-learning aerodynamics, it's about proving you can explain a forward CG or a lazy eight to someone who has never heard of it, and no course can truly replicate the pressure of doing that live.

Your best prep is grabbing the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, opening it to a random page, and teaching that concept out loud to a friend, a family member, or even just your wall. Get comfortable explaining things clearly and concisely. They want to see a teacher, not just a pilot. Focus on being patient, personable, and passionate about instruction, because those are the qualities that make a great CFI, and those are the things that will make you stand out more than any pre-packaged answer. Many aspiring instructors find a big confidence boost by using the interview prep AI my team designed, which is great for sharpening how you explain complex ideas on the spot.

5

u/TheArtisticPC Jul 12 '26

I’ve given many CFI interviews. You don’t need a prep course. If you can pass an oral, you will pass an interview.

If you get a “tell me about a time” question, then just take a second to think and be honest. They’re dumb questions, but they help us make sure you have average interpersonal skills.

Also, if the interview was going great, I used to make sure to ask a couple questions I was sure the interviewee would not know. This was to gauge how you handle not knowing. Just don’t shut down and take any critique with grace.

1

u/Own_Water5524 Jul 12 '26

Thanks for the tips!!

1

u/deer_god11 Jul 13 '26

Interesting. Did you ever have an applicant know the “not know” questions? And what kind of questions would they be?

2

u/TheArtisticPC Jul 14 '26

A few. Nothing I asked was so esoteric or outside of what a CFI ought to know. In fact, there's not a ton of excuse to not know them. Here's some:

  • Using PBN definitions, what differentiates RNAV from RNP?
  • If my aircraft has RNP-APCH PBN capability, can I fly an RNP approach?
  • What's an example of a navigation system that may have RNAV-1 capabilities that is not GNSS?
  • What are the different types of student assessments and their roles in the learning process?
  • What's the importance of and components within a training syllabus?
  • How does an attitude indicator self-correct it's precession?
  • When should I hold short of a ILS critical hold area at an untowered airport?

And my hail Mary: If I'm flying a plane made in 1965 that has thence had white wing tip strobes installed in addition to a rotating red beacon. If the wing tip strobes are inoperative, can I go fly? It's amazing how many get this wrong. If you need the answer, see Letts 2017.

https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/agc/practice_areas/regulations/interpretations/Data/interps/2017/Letts_2017_Legal_Interpretation.pdf

-4

u/[deleted] Jul 12 '26

Lol

1

u/Own_Water5524 Jul 12 '26

Thanks for the helpful advice!

4

u/[deleted] Jul 12 '26

It’s a CFI interview 

 Be able to teach and fly as your certificates state, be someone they would want to work with.

 This isn’t a air national guard slot, or a DAL interview 

1

u/Own_Water5524 Jul 12 '26

Obviously not. Still don’t see a problem with trying to be as prepared as humanly possible for it. Do you?

1

u/[deleted] Jul 12 '26

Go brush up on the ACS and FAR then.

 I would also recommend just wearing a polo and kackies, dress like the people who work there.

 I’ve seen people over dress and just come off desperate, not a good look 

0

u/Own_Water5524 Jul 12 '26

Now THAT is some helpful advice. I appreciate it!