Don’t Forget: Flight Instruction Is a Business

Whether working independently or for a school, keeping more than a logbook just comes with the CFI territory

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

As more CFIs take airline gigs, an FAA committee is reconsidering the experience required for a certified flight instructor to be eligible to train another pilot for the CFI rating. Flying

Key Takeaways:

Independent Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) must transition into a business mindset, establishing professional policies, managing client relations, and finding appropriate ground lesson space.
Meticulous record-keeping is essential for CFIs, covering both detailed training endorsements (adhering to guidelines like AC 61-65 and TSA requirements) and accurate financial tracking of all income and business expenses for tax purposes.
Self-employed CFIs are responsible for their own finances, including setting aside funds for taxes, considering forming an LLC for asset protection, and maintaining separate business and personal bank accounts.

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“Am I supposed to pay you?”

The independent CFI heard this after completing a flight review for a customer who owned a Cessna 182. The CFI was a relatively low-time instructor. He had spent a little over 2.5 hours with the client and asked for $50, which was considerably less than the C-182 owner would have spent if he went through one of the flight schools at the airport even using his own airplane.