In this episode of Runway Life, Derek shares his journey of tackling the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) checkride! Fresh off the experience, he sits down with Craig to break down how the day went—from the oral exam to the flight portion.

Together, they dive into the CFI Airman Certification Standards (ACS), discussing the key topics every aspiring instructor needs to master, the curveballs Derek encountered, and the importance of preparation and confidence.

Whether you’re preparing for a checkride or just curious about what it takes to become a flight instructor, this episode is packed with insider tips, strategies for staying calm under pressure, and advice on what Derek would do differently if he had to do it all over again.