Flight Instructor for Airplane Category Airman Certification Standards (CFI ACS)
The Flight Instructor Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-25) defines the knowledge, risk management, and skill standards for the initial CFI practical test. It covers fundamentals of instruction, technical subject areas, preflight preparation, flight operations, and all maneuvers the CFI applicant must demonstrate and teach. It replaces the older CFI PTS.
Why This Document Matters
The CFI ACS is the most demanding practical test standard in general aviation. Unlike the Private or Commercial ACS which test your ability to fly, the CFI ACS tests your ability to teach flying. The applicant must demonstrate not only proficiency in all maneuvers but the ability to explain, demonstrate, and correct errors in each one. The oral portion is extensive, covering fundamentals of instruction (FOI), technical subject areas, and the ability to analyze and correct student errors. The CFI checkride is widely considered the most difficult checkride in general aviation.
Study This Document in One Loop
What is the Study Loop?A 30-60 minute scenario-first session that replaces hours of passive reading.
Scenario
Decision
Targeted Learning
Open only these sections of the CFI ACS:
- Area I — Fundamentals of Instruction (teach the teaching, not just the maneuver)
- Area II — Technical Subject Areas (aerodynamics, aeromedical, airspace)
- Area VII — Slow Flight, Stalls, Spin Awareness (teach power-off stall procedure)
- Area V — Performance Maneuvers (teach chandelle, lazy eight aerodynamics)
Debrief
Compare your Decision to what the handbook says:
- ?Teaching a stall: aerodynamics → visual cues → kinesthetic cues → common errors → correction. Can you do all 5 out loud?
- ?Common errors per the ACS for each maneuver: the ACS LISTS them. Have you memorized the list for the 5 most likely Tasks?
- ?Lazy eight aerodynamics: changing bank, pitch, speed continuously. Can you sketch it on a whiteboard while explaining?
- ?"The student says they feel nothing at the stall." Which sense is failing, and what teaching move do you make?
Reinforcement
Turn your biggest miss into fast-recall rules:
- Teach order: Aerodynamics → Visual cues → Tactile cues → Common errors → Correction → Practice.
- Every ACS Task has a "Common Errors" section. Memorize the list for at least 10 Tasks.
- Teaching a maneuver = being able to explain it, demonstrate it, recognize errors, and correct them. All four.
What Order to Read the CFI ACS
Don't read by chapter number. Work the four phases. Start with whichever you're weakest in.
Survival Thinking
“What can hurt me?”
- •Area VII — Spin awareness (aerodynamics + PARE recovery + teaching spin entry recognition)
- •Area IX — Emergency operations from right seat while narrating
Interpretation
“What am I looking at?”
- •Area I — FOI integrated into every teaching moment
- •Area II — Technical Subject Areas (your oral grab-bag)
Prediction
“What will happen?”
- •Area III — Preflight lesson (objectives, elements, completion standards)
Checkride Mode
“Can I explain it under pressure?”
- •Every Task: teach from ground + demonstrate in air. Rehearse both halves.
- •Memorize "Common Errors" lists for at least 10 Tasks — ACS requires you to identify and correct them.
Chapter-by-Chapter Guide
What each section covers and the key topics to study
1Area I: Fundamentals of Instructing
Learning theory, teaching methods, student assessment, and professional responsibilities.
Area I: Fundamentals of Instructing
Learning theory, teaching methods, student assessment, and professional responsibilities.
Key Topics
2Area II: Technical Subject Areas
Aeromedical factors, visual scanning, runway incursion avoidance, and special emphasis areas.
Area II: Technical Subject Areas
Aeromedical factors, visual scanning, runway incursion avoidance, and special emphasis areas.
Key Topics
3Area III-XII: Flight Operations
All flight maneuvers from preflight through emergency operations that must be demonstrated and taught.
Area III-XII: Flight Operations
All flight maneuvers from preflight through emergency operations that must be demonstrated and taught.
Key Topics
Study Tips
- Study the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) thoroughly — many CFI checkride failures happen in the oral portion on learning theory, not in the flight portion.
- For each maneuver, prepare to explain: what it is, why it's important, how to do it, common errors, and how to correct those errors. The DPE evaluates your teaching ability, not just your flying.
- Create lesson plans for every area of operation. The DPE may ask you to teach any topic on the spot — having structured lesson plans demonstrates professionalism and preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What replaced the CFI PTS?
The CFI ACS (FAA-S-ACS-25) replaced the Flight Instructor Practical Test Standards. The ACS format adds explicit knowledge and risk management elements to each task, in addition to the skill standards that were in the PTS.
Is the CFI checkride the hardest checkride?
It is widely considered the most challenging checkride in general aviation. The CFI checkride typically takes 4-8 hours (oral + flight) and requires the applicant to demonstrate not just proficiency in all maneuvers but the ability to teach, explain, and correct errors in each one. The failure rate is historically higher than other practical tests.
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Related Documents
AIH
FAA-H-8083-9BAviation Instructor's Handbook
AFH
FAA-H-8083-3CAirplane Flying Handbook
Commercial ACS
FAA-S-ACS-7BCommercial Pilot Airman Certification Standards - Airplane
AC 61-83H
AC 61-83HNationally Scheduled, FAA-Approved, Industry-Conducted Flight Instructor Refresher Course
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Flight Instructor for Airplane Category Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-25) is an official FAA publication available at FAA.gov
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