general | May 21, 2026

What is Type Rating certificate?

Simply put, type rating is a certification issued by the country’s regulatory body (such as DGCA in India) that certifies that a pilot is fit to fly certain types of aircrafts. This gets you to a point where you can fly single engine aircraft below a certain weight without obtaining type rating.

Is CFI a certificate or rating?

A certified flight instructor (CFI) must add an instrument instructor rating to his certificate (CFI-I) in order to instruct students that want to obtain an instrument rating.

Which is the cheapest type rating?

Either a B737 or Citationjet is going to have the cheapest type rating. Many foreign pilots need a type rating to work back home, so after they get their ratings here in the US they look around for a cheap type rating. Most type ratings are going to be in the $10-15k if it’s your initial type.

How many hours do you need to become a CFI?

250 hours
Before you pursue your CFI rating make sure you’ve met these requirements: Have logged at least 250 hours (or 190 hours Part 141) total time. Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate or ATP (ASEL or AMEL) with Instrument Rating. Hold a valid FAA 3rd Class Medical Certificate (or higher).

How long does it take to get a CFI rating?

This training typically takes anywhere from two to three months to complete. Two written exams (the CFI knowledge exam and the fundamentals of instruction exam) as well as a checkride are also required. Once you have the instrument and commercial rating, there is no minimum flight time required for the CFI rating.

How do I get an IFR rating?

To get your instrument rating, you must satisfy the following requirements:

  1. Hold at least a private pilot certificate.
  2. Be able to speak English.
  3. Take a ground school training course or receive ground training from an authorized instructor.
  4. Receive a logbook endorsement certifying you are prepared for the FAA knowledge test.

How much does type rating cost?

External type-rating can cost anywhere between Rs 18 and 25 lakh. Some domestic airlines like Go Air only hire type-rated pilots. Others like SpiceJet, IndiGo and even Air India have various options for training.

How do I get an A380 type rating?

For pilots who are qualified in another fly-by-wire Airbus and are entitled to a CCQ course on the A380, they must be current, qualified (valid LPC) and experienced on the base aircraft. Minimum experience on the base aircraft is 3 months and 150 hours on the base aircraft.

Do flight instructors make good money?

Income for a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) generally ranges from $30,000 to $60,000 per year ($15 to $30 per hour), but this depends greatly on experience, location, weather, hours flown, and demand. The greatest factor in compensation is how many hours you are able to fly.