CFI Training & Flight Instructor Prep

CFI Training

Flight Instructor Training: Classes, Courses, and 1:1 Coaching

CFI Training That Gets You Ready for the Real World

You don't have to figure this out alone. Whether you're just starting your CFI journey, deep in checkride prep, or stuck on something specific, we've got your back.

We've built 3 ways to support you through your training, from ongoing community practice, to small group focused prep, to one-on-one coaching. No matter where you are in your CFI journey, there's a spot for you here:

Stay Sharp

CFI Class Pass

Join our community of CFI candidates and practicing instructors for monthly access to unlimited live classes. Perfect for ongoing checkride prep and professional development.

What you get:

Mock Checkride Oral Prep: Practice answering examiner questions in a supportive group setting. Real scenarios, expert feedback, and the confidence that comes from repetition.
CFI Office Hours: Bring your questions, challenges, or topics you're struggling with. Get direct answers and work through problem areas with guidance.
CFI-I & MEI Topics: Expand beyond the basic CFI with instrument and ME instruction techniques, checkride prep, and advanced teaching scenarios.

Best for: Candidates who want consistent practice leading up to their checkride, or instructors seeking ongoing professional development.

Join the Class Pass

Go Deeper

CFI Prep Course

Our structured immersive course for serious checkride preparation. Limited to just 4 students per cohort for maximum individual feedback and coaching.

What you get:

4 sessions (1.5 hours each) - designed to give you the confidence, teaching skills, and structure you need to excel as a flight instructor
Small group format - Never more than 4 students, so you get real coaching, not lecture
Structured progression - Each week builds on the last, covering FOIs, ground lessons, flight lessons, pre and post-flight briefings and checkride prep
New cohorts monthly - Courses start the first week of each month

Best for: Candidates who want immersive, structured preparation and guidance with more personal attention.

Reserve Your Spot

Get Focused

1:1 Instruction

Sometimes you need undivided attention on specific challenges. Book one-on-one sessions for targeted help on whatever you're struggling with.

What you get:

Personalized coaching on your specific weak areas
Flexible scheduling - Book sessions when you need them
Direct feedback - No group dynamics, just focused work on your needs
Open to everyone - Not just Class Pass members

Best for: Addressing specific gaps, final checkride preparation, or anyone who prefers individual instruction.

The CFI Prep Course was honestly one of the best training experiences I’ve had!

Jacob

Your Instructor

Marcus Hewett

Gold Seal CFI | Assistant Chief Pilot | FAASTeam Rep | USAF Vet

Marcus' approach emphasizes practical teaching skills over rote memorization - because the best CFIs don't just know the material, they know how to teach it effectively and communicate it clearly under pressure.

Ready to Start Your CFI Training?

Choose the path that fits you:

CFI Class Pass

Ongoing practice to keep you sharp, keep growing, and prepared.

Join Class Pass

CFI Prep Course

Small group training to give you the confidence, skills, and structure to excel.

Reserve Your Spot

1:1 Training

Focused training, specific to YOU and your flight instructor checkride prep!

Marcus is incredibly humble, extremely knowledgeable, and brings a great sense of humor that makes the entire process enjoyable.

Alex

FAQ

Can I try a class before committing to the Class Pass?

Yes! Definitely. The first week is on us. Just sign up, attend a week of classes, and if it's not for you just cancel it from your account.

What's the difference between the Class Pass and the Prep Course?

The Class Pass gives you ongoing access to three weekly group classes for continuous practice and development.

The CFI Prep Course is a 4-week, small group training program designed to provide structure, confidence, and guidance with a focus on teaching lessons.

Many students use the Class Pass for consistent big picture advice and preparation, and add in the Prep Course for more personal instruction and feedback focused on their teaching.

Do I need to be a Class Pass member to take the Prep Course?

No, the Prep Course is standalone. However, many students find the combination powerful - use the Class Pass for ongoing practice and the Prep Course for more immersive, personalized preparation.

When do new Prep Course cohorts start?

The first week of every month. Limited to 4 students per cohort.

Is this training FAA-approved?

Our training supplements your FAA-required flight instruction to help prepare you for the oral exam portion of your CFI checkrides. All students must complete required flight training with a qualified instructor per FAA regulations.

More Questions? Contact Us

On top of gaining a ton of knowledge, I also walked away with new friends from across the country, which made the whole experience even better.

Scott

Just a Heads Up

All live classes are recorded. By participating, you consent to recording and agree to our Terms & Conditions. Backseat Pilot training supplements but does not replace FAA-required flight instruction and certification requirements.

Always happy to help!

Contact or info@thebackseatpilot.com

Satisfaction Guaranteed

If you're not happy, we're not happy

Free shipping

100% free shipping 100% of the time

Secure payment

Easy, secure checkout

Bargain price for the Value.

Marcus was great. This was a helpful and engaging prep course for the CFI check ride. Marcus is professional and fun to interact with. Highly recommend!!

Very nice addition to the cockpit.

Great layout and presentation!
Nice addition to the cockpit or the classroom.

Thank you!

I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for everything you do. Your products were a major part of my success in earning my CFI, CFII, and MEI back in 2017, and they’ve remained an invaluable resource throughout my aviation career.

I am currently an active-duty U.S. Naval Officer and have been serving for the last 21 years. Since 2017, while concurrently serving on active duty, I’ve also worked part-time as a CFI to gain the experience needed for my post-Navy career goal of becoming an airline pilot. During that time, I’ve had the privilege of teaching roughly 300 students, including about 20 who went on to earn their flight instructor certificates. Every one of those instructor candidates has followed my recommendation to purchase the “Whole Shebang,” just as I did. The clarity and practicality of your material truly set the standard, and I still use them almost daily while instructing.

Your products have helped me far beyond my initial instructor ratings. I relied on them again to refresh my knowledge while preparing for my ATP and 737 type rating, which I obtained in 2021, and that solid foundation made a significant difference.

I’ll continue sending my future instructor candidates your way because I genuinely believe in the value you provide to the aviation community. Thank you for everything you do to support pilots at every level.

Amazing experience!!

I had an absolutely fantastic experience with this CFI prep course! Marcus, the lead instructor for the course is incredibly humble, extremely knowledgeable, and brings a great sense of humor that makes the entire process enjoyable. I also love the fact that he’s both a veteran and an airline transport pilot — he’s got a wealth of experience, real-world insight, and a teaching style shaped by years of doing it at the highest levels.

It’s inspiring to see where he came from and the impact he’s had on the pilot community. I’m grateful to have him here sharing his expertise.

I highly recommend this course to every CFI applicant — it’s absolutely worth your time and will elevate your preparation.

5/5 — Strongly recommend!

Ready to Start Your CFI Training?

Choose the path that fits you:

FAQ

Let customers speak for us