FAQs

 1. I have not yet logged 15 hours of instrument flight time, but I would like to register for the ECIE. I expect to complete the 15 hours prior to the start of the course. May I still register?

2. Some of my logged instrument time was in a PCATD. Is that acceptable?

3. I would like to have the ECIE or NNEI but fly it in my own airplane. Can that be arranged?

4. I would like to take my Instrument Practical Test as soon as possible after completing the ECIE. Can DSFI facilitate that?

5. What is a “Master CFI” ?

 

. I have not yet logged 15 hours of instrument flight time, but I would like to register for the ECIE. I expect to complete the 15 hours prior to the start of the course. May I still register?

Yes, you may register for the ECIE even though you have not yet logged the 15 hours, however you must complete that training prior to the starting date of the course.

. Some of my logged instrument time was in a PCATD. Is that acceptable?

Yes it is.

. I would like to have the ECIE or NNEI but fly it in my own airplane. Can that be arranged?

Yes! DSFI can bring a Garmin 396 GPS, with XM Radio Weather, as well as an iPad with Foreflight and Stratus along on the flight. This will provide weather avoidance equipment for the flight, even if you don’t have that equipment on board your airplane. The only requirement is that you do have a heated pitot tube, and that your aircraft meets all the equipment currency requirements of the FARs.

. I would like to take my Instrument Practical Test as soon as possible after completing the trip. Can DSFI facilitate that?

DSFI, Inc can definitely facilitate your Instrument Practical Test provided you have already passed your knowledge exam. Since Doug is a Designated Pilot Examiner he can conduct the practical test, however he cannot sign your application if he serves as your examiner.

You will need another instructor to endorse the recommendation on your test application. The instructor providing the endorsement by regulation, will have had to fly with you for a minimum of three hours in the past 60 days. That instructor will sign the recommendation on your 8710-1 application and give you your logbook endorsements. If needed, DSFI can provide that instructor. If you are interested in taking the practical test after completing any trip please contact us at info@dsflight.com or call us at 413-281-6788 to find out more.

. What is a “Master CFI” ?

The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation that may be earned by aviation educators and is based on a system of advanced professional standards as well as peer review. The designation is granted by NAFI and serves a dual purpose. First, it identifies and publicly recognizes those “Teachers of Flight” who are demonstrating an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community. Second, it sets professional standards to which all aviation educators can aspire.
The designation is earned by an applicant through a rigorous process of continuing education and, like a flight instructor certificate, must be renewed biennially. To promote continuous involvement in the aviation community, designees must remain active and renew their designations every 24 calendar months. Unlike one-time awards for past achievements (i.e., a “Gold Seal” flight instructor certificate or “Flight Instructor of the Year”), the Master Instructor designation acknowledges an individual’s continuing professional growth and involvement in a broad spectrum of aviation endeavors.