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:

Becoming a professional CFI requires managing business aspects, including establishing pricing, planning for taxes, tracking income/expenses, and considering an LLC for asset protection.
Meticulous record-keeping is essential for all CFIs, covering student endorsements, flight instruction hours, and personal financial transactions for business and tax purposes.
Independent CFIs must create professional business policies (e.g., no-show agreements) and address practical challenges like securing appropriate classroom space, while those working for flight schools should diligently track hours and verify paychecks for accuracy.

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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.