CFI Academy - Acampo, California

M Z.

CFI Academy is fastest way to become a certified flight instructor by FAR. Prince and staff have great relationships with DPE’s, making the transition from training to check ride day Quick and seamless. Prince is very knowledgeable and will provide you with all the necessary training required for you to pass your CFI initial on the first shot!

Natalie M.

CFI Academy was where I spent most of my summer. While there were a few challenges here and there, I was well prepared for the check ride when the day finally came. Their process works if you are willing to trust it. CFI is a hard thing to do, especially accelerated, come ready to put in the work. But also know that things happen, there’s a nation wide DPE shortage and they do their best. Overall CFI Academy helped me become the best instructor I can be, and I’m very happy about it!
EDIT:
I thought I would be nice and that would incline them to give me my 10k they owe me back. However it has been over three months and they are ignoring my calls, emails, and texts regarding my money. I know at least 5 other people dealing with this right now as well. Don’t trust them with your money. 10k is not a small amount of money when they still have made 20k from me. While I got the job done, it was because I took accountability and did it myself. They won’t help you unless you flight. They also force you into giving them a good review. Don’t be fooled.

Joseph C.

This is a great flight school. The ground school leaves you with more than enough knowledge and what seems like endless material to take home and use if needed. However, where CFI Academy really shines are their flight instructors. Extremely personable and very knowledgeable with efficient teaching, maximizing the time in the aircraft. All the instructors I flew with had friendship-like qualities and made my time in the aircraft very enjoyable. All in all, great place to train!

Ted C.

I had such a great time at CFI Academy! Prince was amazing in ground school—super clear and made everything easy to follow. Wyatt and Kyle were awesome during the flight training, really patient and made sure I was comfortable every step of the way.

The whole vibe at the academy is supportive and friendly, which made the experience even better. If you’re thinking about becoming a CFI, this is the place to go.

Waskar A.

I completed both my CFI and CFII at CFI Academy and had an outstanding experience. The instructors were highly skilled and dedicated, providing a blend of practical flight training and instructional techniques that truly prepared me for real-world teaching. The curriculum was thorough, well-organized, and flexible, and the aircraft and facilities were top-notch. I felt well-supported throughout the entire process, with a team always available to answer questions and guide me toward success.
Overall, CFI Academy provided an exceptional environment for developing the skills and confidence needed to excel as a flight instructor. Highly recommended for anyone pursuing their CFI certificates.

Raj N.

I really enjoyed attending CFI academy . The instructors are motivated to help you excel in learning all the material necessary to successfully pass.The owner is a really nice guy, If you’re serious about learning he will go out of his way to help you excel. The class obviously is fast paced but they provide with all the necessary study material. They will get your check ride date as promised. I am happy that I attended CFI academy, I got my CFI in less than a month. Would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking to get their CFI.

Adam K.

My experience at CFI academy was great. The level of instruction provided is simply unmatched. The chief instructor, Prince, is highly knowledgeable and dedicated to his students. Yet, he can only do so much in preparing you for your checkride. The rest is up to you.

I recently completed my CFI-initial checkride with CFI academy and I can assure any future students that you get what you put in to this experience. CFI-initial is difficult, and requires many long days and nights, but if you are dedicated and driven you will get there!

The daily routine at CFI academy consists of class starting around 9:30 followed by an hour or two of group discussion, questions, and short lectures by Prince. After a lunch break, you can expect to present lesson plans and practice your teaching delivery. Class wraps up around 3-4, which at that point you will be expected to continue self study for the remainder of the evening. The one thing that stood at to me at CFI academy was the open discussion style of learning. Here, students are able and urged to discuss and work together answering questions and finding answers. Prince oversees the discussions and helps guide them in the right direction. He also asks critical questions that help to direct the conversation into more nuanced knowledge areas.

Like I stated before you have to put in the work to get the results you desire. Prince will not send you for a checkride that he is not 100% confident in your ability to pass. Even if this means having you stay a bit longer. This should be a reassurance that when he endorses you, you can be confident in yourself to go in and get the job done.

I would suggest that you have a week or two buffer worked into you plans here at CFI academy. Just like everywhere currently, there is a DPE shortage. Due to this checkride dates may be in your 4th or 5th week. At no fault of CFI academy, just the way the industry is. If you are able to plan accordingly with some cushion on those 3 weeks and you put in the work you will earn your desired certificate here at CFI academy.

Ben T.

CFI Academy is a great place for anyone looking to pursue their CFI in an accelerated program.

The instructors are top-notch—highly experienced, patient, and genuinely invested in helping you master the material and develop the skills you need to excel as an instructor. The curriculum was intensive, but the structure made it manageable, with plenty of opportunities to practice both ground and flight instruction techniques.

In just a few weeks, I felt confident not only in my flying skills but also in my ability to teach others. The facilities are well-maintained, and the staff was always there to answer questions.