14 CFR · Part 61

14 CFR § 61.185

Aeronautical knowledge.

This reproduces published FAA reference text for study. It does not replace the current official FAA publication or regulation.

(a)

A person who is applying for a flight instructor certificate must receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor on:

(1)

Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the fundamentals of instructing, including:

(i)

The learning process;

(ii)

Elements of effective teaching;

(iii)

Student evaluation and testing;

(iv)

Course development;

(v)

Lesson planning; and

(vi)

Classroom training techniques.

(2)

The aeronautical knowledge areas for a recreational, private, and commercial pilot certificate applicable to the aircraft category for which flight instructor privileges are sought; and

(3)

The aeronautical knowledge areas for the instrument rating applicable to the category for which instrument flight instructor privileges are sought.

(b)

The following applicants do not need to comply with paragraph (a)(1) of this section:

(1)

The holder of a flight instructor certificate or ground instructor certificate issued under this part;

(2)

The holder of a current teacher's certificate issued by a State, county, city, or municipality that authorizes the person to teach at an educational level of the 7th grade or higher; or

(3)

A person employed as a teacher at an accredited college or university.

Reflects the eCFR edition current as of July 6, 2026. Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 17, 2026.