An abbreviation for a Flight Instructor (Certified Flight Instructor) certified and qualified by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). This certification/rating is required to provide flight instruction in aircraft.

A pilot holding a Commercial pilot certificate who, after passing two written tests and a practical flight exam, is FAA-rated to give flight instruction. The flight instructor rating is specific as to type of instruction, e.g., single-engine airplane, multi-engine airplane, instrument flying (CFII), helicopter, etc.

Chief Flying Instructor

Certificated Flight Instructor

Certified Flight Instructor. Useful for keeping students from mistakingly thinking they can fly a plane.