
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.
Stop reading reviews and just buy it. There is an unbelievable amount of high-quality content in this package. As the description reads, there are Word files, Excel files, PowerPoint files, PDF copies of all of it, compiled Word files with navigation and bookmarks for easy cross referencing, syllabi, extra endorsement plans, etc. I could go on for past the character limit of this review. Consider it this way: the Whole Shebang is $175. I instruct out of a small airport in a corn field so my rate is $45/hr. Is this set of documents more than I could do in just under 4 hours? Yes, and it's not even a close race. Stop reading and just buy it.
The Backseat Pilot lesson plans are simply some of the best money you will spend in aviation! They are incredibly comprehensive and the ebook is a fantastic format, allowing easy and efficient access on your iPad. These lesson plans have literally saved me hundreds of hours. They are not simply to pass the checkride, I know I'll be referring to them throughout my flying career. I bought the "Whole Shebang", and it was well worth it. The BSP reference card is the best I have seen, and is definitely a permanent addition to my knee board.
I have been using The Backseat Pilot's products for years now. I passed my CFI and CFI-I check rides using their lesson plans and I continue to use them for my students now. Their VFR/IFR reference card is permanently attached to my kneeboard and now The Holds reference card will also be permanently attached. The Backseat Pilot has great products that are continuously updated. The Whole Shebang package is great for CFI candidates! Thanks Nate, you guys are doing a great job!
After searching for the better part of a year for a solid 'kit' to start my Initial CFI from, I found "The Backseat Pilot". I can count on one hand the number of product reviews I have written online... I am rarely so impressed with a product/service and its value that I am willing to write anything.
But... "The Backseat Pilot" kits are different - they are all EXCEPTIONALLY well written, well researched and great as a basis for an expanded kit of your own making or as complete standalone options.
The Whole Shebang is without a doubt one of the BEST VALUES in all of aviation!
I used the ASE CFI kit for my Initial CFI and passed without a hitch the FIRST TIME! Just buy them - you won't regret it!
A few of our most common questions. Find more answers to your questions on our FAQ page.
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.
When you checkout the cart shows $0, and you won't be charged for 7 days. After your trial, it's just $95/month to keep your access to all weekly live classes.
Cancel anytime before the trial ends – no charge, no questions asked. You can manage your subscription right from your account dashboard. Login and click Membership in the top Navigation bar.
Within minutes of subscribing, you'll receive three personalized Zoom links via email - one for each weekly class. These links are tied to your account and email and work for every future session, so hold on to them.
Easy! Once you're logged in, just click Membership in the top navigation bar, then click the Class Pass Recordings tile.
Or if you're already logged into your account, go directly here: thebackseatpilot.com/pages/class-pass-videos
You'll see the full library organized by date and/or class type – sort by class name or view all. Once you found what you're looking for just click play. All recordings from at least the last 3 months are available on-demand.
Not seeing the recordings page? Make sure you're logged into your account first. The page is members-only and won't show up unless you're signed in with an active Class Pass subscription.
Pro tip: Bookmark the recordings page once you're logged in for instant access anytime you want to review a session.
Not at all. Attend whichever sessions are most valuable for where you are in your training. Many members focus on Mock Checkride Prep, while others prefer the flexibility of the Office Hours. Come to whatever works best for your needs and schedule.
No. You can cancel anytime, and your access continues through the end of your current billing period. We're confident the training speaks for itself.
The Class Pass serves both audiences. Many practicing CFIs use the CFII/MEI sessions for add-on ratings and Office Hours for continuing education. The community includes candidates prepping for initials as well as instructors pursuing advanced ratings.
Monthly is $95/month, annual is $695/year (equivalent to $58.33/month). The annual option saves you over 4.5 months of membership fees.
Absolutely. Class Pass members often add the 4-week Prep Course for more personal, small group instruction. The two complement each other well - ongoing practice and review plus more in depth, personalized teaching prep.
Your Zoom links automatically stop working at the end of your billing period, and you'll lose access to the members-only calendar and recordings. If you rejoin later, you'll get new links and full access again.
Highly interactive. Mock Checkride sessions involve everyone - you can practice answering examiner questions and get real-time feedback. Office Hours is completely driven by member questions and needs. These aren't webinars you passively watch (but if you're more comfortable just watching and listening, that's totally fine too!).
