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 CFIs must professionalize their services by setting clear payment expectations and diligently tracking all training given, endorsements provided, and financial transactions.
Meticulous record-keeping is paramount, including detailed logs of dual instruction and endorsements (retaining TSA records for five years and general training records for three years) to ensure compliance and personal protection.
Self-employed CFIs should prioritize financial management by setting aside funds for taxes, considering an LLC for liability protection, maintaining separate business accounts, and meticulously tracking all business expenses.
Establishing professional business policies, like no-show agreements, and securing appropriate ground lesson space are crucial for independent CFIs, while those working for flight schools must carefully review paychecks and hours.

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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.