Q. What is instacfi.com?
A. Instacfi.com is an online booking service that connects student pilots, certificated pilots, and flight simulator enthusiasts, hereafter known as “CLIENT(S)” with a certified flight instructor (CFI) who can provide aviation learning online via the Google Meet video conference tool which requires only a compatible web browser.
Q. How does it work?
A. When an appointment with a CFI is booked via the “Schedule Now” page on this site, a calendar invite is sent to the CLIENT containing a Google Meet video link. At the scheduled time simply log on and the lesson begins. To learn more about Google Meet and its requirements go here: https://support.google.com/meet/answer/7317473
Q. As a CLIENT, how should I prepare for my lesson?
A. Please start by choosing the correct lesson description from the “Schedule Now” page when booking as this lets the CFI know what you are expecting to cover. For example, If you want to review a ForeFlight flight plan and weather for a trip, it’s a good idea to already have the web version of ForeFlight open in a browser window to share on the Google Meet video. ForeFlight on the web is available to every subscriber, to login go here: https://plan.foreflight.com/
Q. When I schedule a meeting for flight simulator instruction, how does that work?
A. The CLIENT is expected to have a working flight simulator application on their computer and know how to use it. After both the CLIENT and CFI are logged into Google Meet, the CLIENT will share the window the flight simulator application is running in. The CFI will be able to see what the CLIENT is doing and provide instruction as if sitting in the plane with you. CLIENTS must run the flight simulator app in a window, NOT in full screen mode for this to work. Here’s how to get the two common simulator apps into window mode:
- For Microsoft Flight Simulator, toggle between full-screen mode and windowed mode by pressing ALT+ENTER. Or, on the Views menu, select Window instead of Full Screen.
- For X-plane 12 here are directions to toggle window mode: https://www.x-plane.com/manuals/desktop/#configuringthemonitor
Q. How can I get logbook entries for ground instruction?
A. If both the CLIENT and CFI are using ForeFlight then remote online logbook entries are easy to do. For more information go here: https://support.foreflight.com/hc/en-us/articles/216184638-How-do-CFI-s-endorse-a-logbook- Otherwise CLIENTS should discuss with the CFI about obtaining an entry via email that can be printed out and pasted into the logbook.
Q. Which flight simulator applications can be used?
A. The two most popular flight simulator apps are Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane. These are the only two applications that instacfi.com instructors are familiar with.
Q. Can online flight simulator time be logged towards a rating or currency?
A. No. Home flight simulators do not comply with FAA regulations. The value in using flight simulator applications is the learning, particularly for IFR flying, that can be done while avoiding the cost of aircraft or certified training devices when they are not needed. For more information about flight simulation training devices visit this FAA website: https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/nsp/ac
Q. What is the cancellation policy?
A. Cancellation requests made at least 24 hours prior to lesson start time will be refunded in full. The booking confirmation email sent after payment is made contains instructions to request cancellation.
