Pilot reference
CFII and MEI requirements
Both are additional ratings on a flight instructor certificate, under the same 61.183 eligibility rules as the CFI itself. Where they differ is the knowledge test, the standard you are tested against, and what the rating lets you teach.
CFII: flight instructor, instrument (airplane)
| Requirement | Detail | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot certificate | Commercial or ATP with an airplane rating and an instrument rating (or instrument privileges) | 61.183(c) |
| Knowledge test | FII, Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane: 50 questions, 2.5 hours. AIF (20 questions) is only for someone who already holds an instrument instructor rating in another category. | 61.183(f); testing matrix |
| FOI test | Not required if you already hold a flight instructor certificate | 61.191(b) |
| Practical test standard | Still a Practical Test Standard, FAA-S-8081-9E (November 2023, effective 31 May 2024), not an ACS | Part 61 appendix A |
| Endorsement | AC 61-65K A.48, instrument instructor practical test | 61.183(g), 61.187 |
| Experience | At least 15 hours as PIC in the category and class | 61.183(j) |
What it unlocks: under 14 CFR 61.195(c), instrument training for an instrument rating, and the instrument training required for the commercial and ATP certificates, must come from an instructor with an instrument rating on their instructor certificate. In a multiengine airplane the instructor must also hold the aircraft rating on the instructor certificate, which means an MEI as well (61.195(c)(2)). The 15 hours of instrument training for the instrument rating itself must come from an authorized instructor who holds an instrument-airplane rating (61.65(d)(2)).
MEI: flight instructor, multiengine (airplane)
| Requirement | Detail | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot certificate | Commercial or ATP with an airplane multiengine class rating, and an instrument rating (or instrument privileges) | 61.183(c) |
| Experience | At least 15 hours as pilot in command in multiengine airplanes (the category and class of the rating) | 61.183(j) |
| Knowledge test | The FAA testing matrix lists no separate test for adding a multiengine class to an airplane instructor certificate; FOI is not required for an additional rating. Confirm with your examiner before you schedule. | 61.191(b) |
| Practical test standard | Flight Instructor ACS, FAA-S-ACS-25, including Area XIII Multiengine Operations | 61.183(h) |
| To train someone for a certificate or rating in a twin | At least 5 hours of PIC time in that specific make and model | 61.195(f) |
You will see two different hour figures quoted for the MEI. The 15 hours of multiengine PIC is the eligibility requirement in 61.183(j). The 5 hours in make and model is a separate limitation in 61.195(f) on giving training in a particular twin.
What knowledge test does a CFII take?
An initial instrument instructor applicant (airplane) takes FII, Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane: 50 questions, 2.5 hours, per the FAA testing matrix revised 25 September 2026. AIF is for adding instrument instructor privileges in another category.
Is the CFII checkride on an ACS?
No. The airplane instrument instructor rating is still tested against the Practical Test Standard FAA-S-8081-9E, effective 31 May 2024. The CFI airplane test uses the Flight Instructor ACS, FAA-S-ACS-25.
How many multiengine hours do I need for an MEI?
At least 15 hours as pilot in command in multiengine airplanes to be eligible (61.183(j)), and at least 5 hours of PIC in the specific make and model before giving training toward a certificate or rating in it (61.195(f)).
Sources
- 14 CFR 61.183, 14 CFR 61.191, 14 CFR 61.195, 14 CFR 61.65 (eCFR Title 14, current as of 9 November 2026).
- FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix, revised 25 September 2026. FAA Practical Test Standards page: FAA-S-8081-9E. FAA Airman Certification Standards page: FAA-S-ACS-25.
- AC 61-65K, Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors, endorsements A.45 to A.49.
- Checked on 11 November 2026. If a rule has changed since, the regulation governs; tell us and we will correct the page.
Running the training side
FlightWay books the student, the instructor and the airplane in one step, keeps passkey-signed lesson records and endorsements, and tracks every student against these requirements.
Last updated 11 November 2026.