Flight Training The Way I See It

This month we're giving away two full CFI training packages, hosting a free live workshop to map your path to the CFI checkride, and breaking down a simple trick to stay coordinated without ever looking at the ball. 

The first day of every CFI Bootcamp Initial CFI class is now a full day on using AI as a learner and teacher. In this episode, Mike covers the five vetted AI tools, recording lessons in flight and on the ground, turning summaries into podcasts, generating quizzes on the fly, building 5-minute preflight briefings, and the Code of Ethics that defines when and how AI should be used in flight training...

This month: the FAA's plan to end knowledge test question harvesting starting October 27, 2026 (Instrument Rating Airplane and Remote Pilot tests first), a proposal to standardize DPE checkrides and kill the "what's the gouge" culture, a look at the scholarships available for flight training, and updates on CFI Bootcamp's GAPS course and September classes.

ForeFlight's Premium tier now connects to ChatGPT for flight planning, weather interpretation, and NOTAM parsing. It can't make your go/no-go call — it doesn't know your fatigue, your currency, or your comfort in that terrain — but it can compress hours of planning into minutes. The bigger point: your students are already using AI. They're just not telling you. That's why the entire first day of o...

Flight instructor candidates must command not only the stick-and-rudder skills required on a checkride but also the regulatory framework that governs how and under what authority they exercise their certificate privileges. This outline draws from CFI Bootcamp source material covering three essential knowledge areas: the medical certificate requirements applicable to flight instructors under 14 CFR...

This episode breaks down the most important flight training, regulatory, safety, and career updates affecting pilots and instructors in 2026. We begin with the FAA's upcoming knowledge test changes, including the removal of public supplement books and the introduction of embedded, variable images inside the online test environment. The first major change is scheduled for the Instrument Rating know...

This episode covers major training, regulatory, and instructional developments shaping flight training right now — and what they mean for CFIs, students, and the industry moving forward. We begin with the FAA's recently released MOSAIC InFO , which has sparked significant debate within the instructor community. We break down what the guidance says about operating under Sport Pilot privileges, why...

The biggest overhaul to Part 141 in decades is about to go public — and this episode covers everything you need to know before the Federal Register drops on April 1st, 2026. View our entire newsletter here: https://www.cfibootcamp.com/monthlynewsletter/march-2026 We break down the Part 141 Modernization Team's final recommendations: a new Central Management Office, a two-tiered school approval sys...

This episode covers major regulatory updates, training clarifications, and instructional insights that every CFI and instrument pilot should understand heading into 2026. We begin with Mike's upcoming presentation at Redbird Migration on "Teaching the Hard Stuff for Initial CFI Training," including how to teach the fundamentals of instructing, endorsements and testing requirements, and how to tail...

This episode focuses on how to teach the hard parts of flight training and how to fly with a deeper understanding of what the airplane and instruments are actually doing. We preview Mike Shiflett's upcoming presentation at the Redbird Migration Flight Training Conference , where he'll be covering how to teach the fundamentals of instructing, use scenarios and flowcharts effectively, and adapt the...

This episode breaks down the most important training, regulatory, and instructional updates heading into 2026 — and what they mean for CFIs, flight schools, and students. We discuss upcoming Sport Pilot and Sport Pilot Instructor PTS changes aligned with MOSAIC, what to expect from the Part 141 Modernization meetings , and why real change takes time even when the FAA is fast-tracking reform. You'l...

The November 2025 aviation update covers major changes and exclusive offers for CFIs and student pilots: Black Friday / Cyber Monday Sale Now Live Get 50% off all CFI Bootcamp digital downloads and online courses. Offer ends Dec 1—perfect gift for aspiring CFIs. Final FAA 141 Modernization Meeting on Dec 2 The rewrite of FAR Part 141 is almost complete. Find out what comes next and how long we mig...

This month is all about building better instructors and understanding what's next for CFI training. Following one of our most engaging Power Hours yet, the CFI Round Table, Part Two brings together Mike, Dorothy, Greg, Rex, and other experienced educators to discuss what today's flight instruction is missing — and how to make it stronger. They dive into the real challenges CFIs face, from the lack...

This month is packed with major milestones for both students and CFIs. From course launches to FAA rule changes, here's what you need to know: SmartStudy Pro for Private Pilot Is LIVE The full 11-hour audio/video course with 45 tasks, ACS-aligned, and packed with companion PDFs. Get ready for your checkride or flight review—available now at 50% off for early access users. IFR ACS SmartStudy Pro in...

n this August 2025 edition, we break down major regulatory shifts, essential training deadlines, and new tools to help pilots and instructors stay ahead. Sport Pilot Regulations Update – Two new FAA draft Advisory Circulars (AC 61-146 & AC 61-65K) are out for public comment. These clarify aircraft privileges and reshape how CFIs train Sport Pilots. Proficiency Checks Ending Oct 22 – Big change: af...

In this packed episode, we cover critical changes and tools shaping the future of flight instruction, certification, and aviation safety: MOSAIC Final Rule Released – Sport Pilot regulations get a massive overhaul. No weight limit, four seats, night flying, and even Private/Commercial pilots flying on a driver's license. What It Means for CFIs – More students, new flight school opportunities, and...

In this episode, we cover the most important updates in aviation education and regulation:  FAA Part 141 Modernization – What the proposed QMS/SMS systems mean for small vs. large schools and how operators are fighting for practical solutions. SmartStudy Pro Update – Our most efficient tool yet for Private Pilot ACS prep is almost here. Learn why this audio-based system will transform your commute...

This month's episode is packed with powerful updates for CFIs, student pilots, and aviation educators: 🔹 Part 141 Modernization Meeting in June – Get details on the next public engagement session in Massachusetts, what the FAA aims to change, and how you can participate. 🎧 Private Pilot ACS SmartStudy Pro Update – Our most anticipated product for Private Pilot prep is almost done. Designed for a...

In this month's roundup, we break down major regulatory shifts, exciting community growth, and must-know CFI strategies: 🔹 FAA NOTAM Overhaul — Finally! The FAA is modernizing NOTAMs to follow the ICAO format. What this means for clarity, safety, and daily flight ops.  🔹 Part 141 Rewrite Underway — Mike joins the 141 Modernization Ops Group as the FAA looks to completely rebuild how flight schoo...

In this episode, we dive into the explosive growth of our Power Hours—now nearing 1,000 live attendees every Saturday—and how we're reshaping the flight training experience from the ground up. We'll also cover major updates on IPC standards, the latest on MOSAC's potential rollout at AirVenture 2025, and tips that every pilot and CFI can put to work immediately. 📢 Topics Covered: ✅ Power Hour mo...

🚀 Welcome to another episode of Flight Training the Way I See It! 🛩️ In this episode, we discuss the potential delay in the release of MOSAIC and how it could impact pilots, flight schools, and the aviation industry. We'll break down what MOSAIC is, how it could expand sport pilot privileges, and why regulatory screenings might hold it up. 📢 Topics Covered: ✅ What is MOSAIC, and why does it mat...

Join us in this episode as we explore the latest aviation updates, including how you can now earn Wings credit for attending CFI Bootcamp's Power Hour sessions. We'll dive into major FAA rule changes for CFIs, such as the end of expiration dates on certificates and new recency requirements. Plus, hear about exciting updates to the Online CFI Course and the revamped Endorsements and Scenarios book,...

Join us in this episode as we explore the latest aviation updates, including how flight instructors can now earn Wings credit for attending CFI Bootcamp's Power Hour sessions. We'll dive into major FAA rule changes for CFIs, such as the end of expiration dates on certificates and new recency requirements. Plus, hear about exciting updates to the Online CFI Course and the revamped Endorsements and...

In this episode, we break down the latest FAA rule changes affecting flight instructors, including the upcoming changes to CFI certificates and the qualifications for providing ground and flight instruction. We also discuss the first-ever "Mastery Class" held by CFI Bootcamp, covering tech integration in flight training. Plus, get the latest updates on the NAFI Summit and discover how Power Hour a...

In Episode 55, we cover recent updates in aviation, including the FAA's new policy that allows examiners and inspectors to use remote technologies like Zoom for tasks such as flight instructor renewals and ground instructor certificates. We also highlight key upcoming events: the NAFI Summit in Daytona Beach, Redbird Migration, and the FSANA conference. Additionally, we introduce the CFI Mastery B...