Sport Pilot Certified Flight Instructor (CFI-S)

Share Your Passion, Inspire the Next Generation

Ready to take your aviation journey further? Becoming a Sport Pilot Certified Flight Instructor (CFI-S) allows you to teach, mentor, and get paid to train Sport Pilot students in light-sport aircraft without needing a Commercial Pilot Certificate. Thanks to the MOSAIC updates, the Sport CFI path is an even more accessible and rewarding way to build experience, hours, and a career in aviation.

What Is a Sport Pilot CFI?

With a CFI-Sport certificate, you are authorized to:

• Provide flight instruction to students pursuing a Sport Pilot Certificate.

• Endorse students for solo flights, knowledge tests, and practical exams in LSAs.

• Provide training and endorsements for additional light-sport aircraft categories (airplane, glider, weight-shift, etc.).

This certificate offers the opportunity to teach, gain experience, and contribute to the aviation community while building your own flight time.

Training Requirements

To be eligible for the Sport Pilot Certified Flight Instructor program, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Hold at least a Sport Pilot Certificate

• Hold a valid FAA medical certificate OR a U.S. driver’s license (driver’s license not valid if training for night privileges)

• Have logged at least 150 total flight hours, including:

  • 100 hours Pilot-in-Command (PIC)

  • 25 hours cross-country flight

  • 15 hours in a light-sport aircraft

• Pass both the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) test and the Flight Instructor-Sport knowledge test

Training Program Overview

At Highlands Aero, our training program prepares you for both the instructor knowledge exams and your CFI-S practical test (checkride).

Ground Training:

• Instructional methods and student learning psychology

• FAA teaching standards, regulations, and endorsements

• Safety practices and instructor responsibilities

Flight Training:

• Teaching and demonstrating flight maneuvers from the instructor’s seat

• Practicing scenario-based training and handling student errors

• Mastery of required maneuvers and safe instructional techniques

Aircraft

Your training will be conducted in our Pipistrel Alpha Trainer—a modern, efficient, light-sport aircraft with a glass cockpit and parachute system, ideal for developing instructional skills.

Why Train at Highlands Aero?

• Expert Guidance – Learn from seasoned instructors who know how to mentor future teachers

• Modern Fleet – Train on advanced, reliable LSAs built for instruction

• Tailored Approach – We adapt the program to your skill level and career goals

• Supportive Environment – Join a community of aviators passionate about teaching and safety

Cost of Training

The cost of becoming a CFI-S depends on your prior experience and proficiency. Typical expenses include:

• Aircraft rental: $155/hour

• Instructor fees (ground & flight): $70/hour

• FAA knowledge exams (FOI + CFI-S): $175 each

• Practical test with a DPE: ~$600

During your consultation, we’ll provide a personalized training plan and cost estimate.

Next Steps

Take the next step in your aviation journey by becoming a Sport Pilot CFI with Highlands Aero. Inspire future aviators, gain valuable experience, and expand your own opportunities in aviation.