Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)
Bird Dog Flight Services

Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)

Expand teaching capabilities. Master advanced IFR procedures and weather navigation as a highly employable CFII.

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5/5 ratings on Google

Program Overview

Adding an Instrument rating to your Flight Instructor certificate (CFII) allows you to teach students how to fly in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). This add-on makes you significantly more valuable to flight schools, allows you to log dual-given instrument time, and sharpens your own IFR proficiency to an 'Above-the-Standard' level.

ENROLL NOW!
Instructor with student next to aircraft holding a tshirt piece after student completed a flight
Training Pathway

Your Step-by-Step Path to Becoming a Licensed Pilot

1

Advanced IFR Ground Instruction

Learn how to clearly explain complex topics like holding patterns, approach plates, and weather systems.

2

Simulator Teach-Backs

Master the use of our Gleim BATD simulator as a teaching tool, pausing and resetting scenarios for your students.

3

Right-Seat Instrument Flying

Practice flying precision and non-precision approaches under the hood from the instructor's (right) seat.

4

Lesson Plan Refinement

Develop a structured binder of instrument lesson plans tailored to the FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS).

5

FAA CFII Checkride

Demonstrate your instructional mastery during an oral presentation and an instrument flight test.

Program Details

Check What Is Included

Have Questions?

Every pilot's journey is unique. If you need more clarity on our programs or want to discuss your path to the cockpit, our team is ready to help.

Teach Instrument Students

Never run out of students to teach. CFIIs are always in high demand.

Log IFR Time

Legally log highly coveted instrument flight time while your student is flying in actual IMC.

Master Avionics

Become an absolute expert on modern GPS and glass-cockpit systems by teaching them daily.

YOUR FUTURE AWAITS

What can you do with your license?

Transform your passion into a profession. Our advanced programs prepare you for the most sought-after roles in the aviation industry.

Flight instructor teaching a student pilot

Advanced Flight Instructor (CFII)

Expand your student base by teaching Instrument Rating candidates. Build valuable dual-given IFR hours for your logbook.

Avg. Year Salary ~$80,000
High altitude flight over Texas landscape

Corporate & Charter Pilot

Corporate flight departments actively seek pilots with deep, recent instrument experience and instructional backgrounds.

Avg. Year Salary ~$200,000+
Airline pilot in the cockpit of a commercial jet

Regional Airline First Officer

Transition smoothly into Part 121 airline operations where flying on instruments is an everyday, mandatory requirement.

Avg. Year Salary ~$75,000
Team of Flight Instructors at Bird Dog Flight Services

Chief Flight Instructor

Lead other instructors, manage flight school safety standards, and conduct stage checks for instrument students.

Avg. Year Salary ~$90,000

Why Smart Pilots Choose Bird Dog Flight Services

We bridge the gap between rigid flight factories and personalized, Above-the-Standard mentorship. Your training, your goals.

High Pass Rates

Our students consistently beat the national average for passing their flight tests on the first try.

Always Ready to Fly

We take excellent care of our planes so they are ready whenever you schedule a lesson, no unnecessary delays.

One-on-One Coaching

Our instructors aren't just teachers; they are mentors who adapt every lesson to fit your exact goals and learning style.

Clear Training Plans

Whether you want to fly for fun on the weekends or become a professional airline pilot, we give you a straightforward roadmap to get there.

Flight training aircraft in hangar

Investment & Training Hours

Transparent breakdown of FAA minimums versus realistic averages to help you plan your aviation journey.

Training Program

Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)

Estimated Total Investment
~$2,000

Hours Breakdown

CFII Initial Instruction
FAA Min: No minimum. Proficiency-based

Estimated Timeline

2 to 4 Weeks (Accelerated/Full-Time Add-on)

1 to 2 Months (Part-Time/Weekends)

* Using our Gleim BATD simulator to practice teaching approaches drastically reduces the cost of the CFII add-on.

Save up to

$40,000

Compared to traditional university flight programs.

Our focused approach cuts out the bloated tuition and scheduling delays, getting you to the airlines faster and with less debt.

What Our Students Say

RATE BAR Google
★★★★★ 5,0

I got my PPL at bird dog and I have nothing but good things to say about my experience there. Every CFI is very knowledgeable about the curriculum and provided a great experience. The aircraft are very well maintained and the facilities are excellent. Overall Bird dog is a great place to study aviation.

Jimmy Abernathy
Jimmy Abernathy

"Started my instrument training here in Jan of 2024 and was able to get my instrument, commercial and CFI done by October. Instructors really care about safety and the planes..."

Nick Williamson
Nick Williamson

"I've been flying with Bird Dog for some months now and I have nothing but positive things to say. Everything from logging hours to aircraft maintenance to actually learning..."

Cole Esten
Cole Esten

"I got my PPL here at Bird Dog, I started in the beginning of my senior year in high school and finished right after graduation..."

Addison Johnston
Addison Johnston

"One stop shop for excellent flight training. Knowledgeable instructors, great availability, and training centered on your success. I'd look no further than Bird Dog for your flight training!..."

Jacob Cottingham
Jacob Cottingham
Before You Start

Prerequisites

Because you likely already hold your initial CFI, this course is typically a fast-paced add-on. Expect a heavy focus on simulator teaching techniques and flying perfect approaches from the right seat.

Pilot Training Prerequisites

Flexible Financing Built for Your Needs

We partner with Stratus Financial to offer competitive, flexible loan terms that cover individual ratings or our entire professional pilot track.

one on one private pilot ground school and flight instructor teaching a student pilot

Typical Repayment Terms

Choose a payment structure that fits your training timeline and budget.

12-84 Months of Financing
Short-Term Long-Term

Covered Flight Programs

Estimated training times based on your program goals.

  • LOFT Career Pilot Program 6-9 Months
  • Private Pilot License (PPL) 2-4 Months
  • Instrument Rating 2-3 Months
  • Commercial Pilot License 4-6 Months
  • CFI / CFII Certifications 1-2 Months
Cessna plane parked inside hangar at Fort Worth airport

Are You Ready to Take Off?

Stop dreaming. Start flying.

Join a community of pilots who value efficiency, safety, and personalized mentorship.

Frequently Asked Questions About CFII Training

How long does it take to get a CFII rating?
If you already hold your initial CFI certificate, adding your CFII is typically very fast. Most students finish in 2 to 4 weeks depending on their availability.
Do I need my CFI before getting my CFII?
Technically, no. The FAA allows your initial instructor checkride to be for your CFII. However, we highly recommend getting your standard CFI first, making the CFII a simpler add-on rating.
Can I teach using the simulator?
Yes! Once you are a CFII, you can use our FAA-approved Gleim BATD simulator to teach your students instrument procedures and log dual instruction given.
How much does the CFII add-on cost?
Since the training is proficiency-based and mostly focuses on right-seat instrument skills and ground lessons, the cost is relatively low. It typically averages around $2,000.
Will having a CFII help me get hired by an airline faster?
While airlines look at your total 1,500 hours, having a CFII means you will have significantly more actual and simulated instrument time, making you a much sharper, safer, and more competitive candidate in the interview room.

Still have questions?

If you have any other questions, please get in contact!

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