Flight Instructor Practical Test Standards - Airplane (CFI PTS)
Historical: superseded
Superseded by the Flight Instructor Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-25), effective May 31, 2024. Kept here for reference only.
Go to the current Flight Instructor for Airplane Category Airman Certification Standards (CFI ACS)
The Flight Instructor Practical Test Standards (FAA-S-8081-6D) is a historical FAA document. It defined the standards for the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) practical test for airplane until the Flight Instructor Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-25) took effect on May 31, 2024. It outlined the Areas of Operation including fundamentals of instruction, technical subject areas, preflight procedures, and all flight maneuvers the CFI applicant had to be able to teach and demonstrate. For the current standards, use the Flight Instructor ACS.
Why This Document Matters
The CFI PTS is unique because the CFI checkride is not just about flying. It is about teaching. The DPE evaluates your ability to instruct, not just perform. For each maneuver, you must demonstrate the ability to explain, demonstrate, recognize and correct common errors, and evaluate student performance. The oral portion is extensive, covering fundamentals of instruction, technical subject areas, and your knowledge of the teaching process. The CFI checkride is widely regarded as the most challenging practical test 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 PTS:
- Area I — Fundamentals of Instruction (learning theory, teaching methods, assessment)
- Area II — Technical Subject Areas (aeromedical, runway incursion, regs, aerodynamics)
- Area IV — Takeoffs, Landings, Go-Arounds (teach each from both seats)
- Area VIII — Slow Flight, Stalls, Spin Awareness (spin aerodynamics + PARE recovery)
Debrief
Compare your Decision to what the handbook says:
- ?For each maneuver: can you explain the aerodynamics, demonstrate the technique, and analyze three common errors? If not, you will bust.
- ?Spin awareness: P-A-R-E recovery (Power off, Ailerons neutral, Rudder opposite, Elevator through neutral). Teach it to someone.
- ?Endorsements: can you write a solo endorsement, XC endorsement, and knowledge test endorsement verbatim with correct FAR cite?
- ?The "confused student" trap: the DPE will ask something you don't know. Say "I don't know, let's look it up together" — do NOT bluff.
Reinforcement
Turn your biggest miss into fast-recall rules:
- Teaching beats performing on the CFI checkride. You can fly perfectly and still fail if you can't teach.
- PARE for spin recovery: Power, Ailerons, Rudder, Elevator. Recite in order.
- Every CFI endorsement needs: date, student name, certificate number, FAR cite, CFI name, CFI cert number, expiration, signature.
What Order to Read the CFI PTS
Don't read by chapter number. Work the four phases. Start with whichever you're weakest in.
Survival Thinking
“What can hurt me?”
- •Area VIII — Spin awareness (aerodynamics + recovery + CFI-specific regulations)
- •Area IX — Emergency operations from the right seat
Interpretation
“What am I looking at?”
- •Area I — FOI integrated into every flight Task you teach
- •Area II — Technical Subject Areas (the CFI oral grab-bag)
Prediction
“What will happen?”
- •Area III — Preflight lesson (objectives, completion standards, risk management)
- •Area IV-VII — Teaching maneuvers from right seat with student-level explanations
Checkride Mode
“Can I explain it under pressure?”
- •Every PTS Task has two parts: teaching from the ground + demonstrating in the air. Rehearse both.
- •Endorsements: memorize 4-5 most common endorsements verbatim
- •Area VIII — Spin aerodynamics and PARE recovery taught out loud to the DPE
Chapter-by-Chapter Guide
What each section covers and the key topics to study
1Area I: Fundamentals of Instruction
The learning process, human behavior, effective communication, the teaching process, assessment, and instructor responsibilities.
Area I: Fundamentals of Instruction
The learning process, human behavior, effective communication, the teaching process, assessment, and instructor responsibilities.
Key Topics
2Area II: Technical Subject Areas
Aeromedical factors, visual scanning, runway incursion avoidance, principles of flight, aircraft systems, and regulations.
Area II: Technical Subject Areas
Aeromedical factors, visual scanning, runway incursion avoidance, principles of flight, aircraft systems, and regulations.
Key Topics
3Area III-XII: Flight Maneuvers
All Private and Commercial flight maneuvers, with emphasis on teaching ability.
Area III-XII: Flight Maneuvers
All Private and Commercial flight maneuvers, with emphasis on teaching ability.
Key Topics
Study Tips
- Prepare to teach every maneuver, not just fly it. The DPE will ask you to explain, demonstrate, and analyze each one.
- Create lesson plans for every Area of Operation. The DPE may ask to see your lesson plans during the checkride.
- Practice giving flight briefings aloud. Use the explain-demonstrate-guide-practice model for each maneuver.
- Know all the endorsements a CFI is responsible for (student pilot solo, knowledge test, practical test, flight reviews, etc.) and be able to write them correctly.
- Study spin awareness thoroughly. CFI applicants must demonstrate a thorough understanding of spin aerodynamics and the PARE recovery method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CFI PTS free?
Yes, the Flight Instructor PTS (FAA-S-8081-6D) is a free PDF from FAA.gov. It has been superseded by the Flight Instructor ACS (FAA-S-ACS-25).
Is the CFI PTS still used for the airplane CFI practical test?
No. The Flight Instructor Airman Certification Standards for airplane (FAA-S-ACS-25) superseded FAA-S-8081-6D effective May 31, 2024. This page is kept for reference. Use the CFI ACS to prepare for the practical test.
How long is the CFI checkride?
The CFI checkride is typically the longest practical test in general aviation. The oral portion alone can last 4-6 hours, and the flight portion adds another 1-2 hours. Total checkride time of 6-8 hours is common.
Did the CFI PTS require spin training?
The PTS required CFI applicants to demonstrate instructional knowledge of spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures. Whether you actually perform a spin depends on the aircraft and the DPE. You must demonstrate a thorough understanding of spin aerodynamics and the PARE recovery method.
Quick Facts
- Document ID
- FAA-S-8081-6D
- Last Updated
- Superseded May 31, 2024
- Cost
- Free
- Publisher
- FAA
Applies To
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Flight Instructor Practical Test Standards - Airplane (FAA-S-8081-6D) is an official FAA publication available at FAA.gov
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