Air Ambulance Pilot Career Guide
What Does an Air Ambulance Pilot Do? Air ambulance pilots are highly trained aviation professionals who transport critically ill or injured patients by helicopter or airplane to hospitals, trauma centers, …
Tiffany Moore
Master Certified Flight Instructor (MCFI)
What Is an MCFI? A Master Certified Flight Instructor (MCFI) is one of the highest recognitions available for aviation instructors. The designation recognizes instructors who demonstrate exceptional professionalism, continuing education, …
Type Rating Instructor (TRI)
What Is a Type Rating Instructor? A Type Rating Instructor (TRI) trains pilots to operate specific aircraft types, such as the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. Large and complex aircraft …
Assistant Chief Flight Instructor
What Is an Assistant Chief Flight Instructor? An Assistant Chief Flight Instructor helps manage a flight school’s training operations and supports the Chief Flight Instructor. This role is often considered …
Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI)
What Is an AGI? An Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) is certified by the FAA to teach aviation ground school subjects. AGIs focus on classroom instruction rather than flight instruction. They …
Drone Pilot (UAS Operator) Career Guide
What Is a Drone Pilot? Drone Pilots, also called Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operators, remotely operate drones for commercial, industrial, governmental, and creative applications. This is one of the fastest-growing …
Basic Ground Instructor (BGI)
What Is a BGI? A Basic Ground Instructor (BGI) teaches beginner aviation ground school subjects. BGIs primarily focus on private pilot training topics. Roles and Responsibilities BGIs: Teach entry-level aviation …
Glider Pilot
What Does a Glider Pilot Do? Glider pilots fly engineless aircraft called sailplanes or gliders. These aircraft rely on rising air currents called thermals to remain airborne. Glider flying is …
Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)
What Is a DPE? A Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) is an experienced pilot authorized by the FAA to conduct practical tests, commonly known as checkrides. DPEs evaluate whether pilot applicants …
Chief Flight Instructor
What Is a Chief Flight Instructor? A Chief Flight Instructor oversees all flight training operations at a flight school or aviation program. They are responsible for ensuring training quality, regulatory …
Missionary Pilot Career Guide
What Is a Missionary Pilot? Missionary Pilots use aviation to transport people, supplies, medical aid, and humanitarian resources to remote communities around the world. These pilots often serve in areas …
Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)
What Is an MEI? A Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) is a flight instructor certified to teach pilots how to operate aircraft with more than one engine. Multi-engine flying introduces more complexity, …
Balloon Pilot
What Does a Balloon Pilot Do? Balloon pilots operate hot air balloons for recreational flights, tourism experiences, competitions, festivals, and private events. Unlike airplane pilots, balloon pilots rely on wind …
Flight Simulator Instructor (FSI)
What Is a Flight Simulator Instructor? A Flight Simulator Instructor (FSI) trains pilots using advanced flight simulators instead of real aircraft. These simulators replicate aircraft systems, emergencies, weather conditions, and …
Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII)
What Is a CFII? A Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) is a flight instructor specially certified to teach pilots how to fly using instruments in low-visibility conditions. Instrument flying …
Skydive / Jump Pilot
What Does a Skydive Pilot Do? Skydive pilots, also called jump pilots, fly aircraft that carry skydivers to altitude before parachute jumps. These pilots are essential to the skydiving industry …
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
What Is a Certified Flight Instructor? A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is a professional pilot authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to teach students how to fly aircraft. CFIs …
Air Racer
What Does an Air Racer Do? Air racers compete in aviation racing events that test speed, precision, and flying skill. These pilots fly high-performance aircraft through timed courses, often at …
Tour Pilot
What Does a Tour Pilot Do? Tour pilots fly sightseeing flights for tourists and travelers. These pilots give passengers a unique aerial view of famous destinations such as mountains, coastlines, …
Aerobatic Pilot / Airshow Performer
What Does an Aerobatic Pilot Do? Aerobatic pilots perform advanced flying maneuvers for audiences at airshows, aviation events, competitions, and demonstrations. These pilots fly highly maneuverable aircraft capable of loops, …