What do they all mean?
 

Just out of general interest I was wondering if someone could explain what all the different ratings mean.

CFI, FI, FI(R), AFI.

Many thanks.

Im sure you could have looked this up yourself

Assistant Flying Instructor
Flying Instructor
Flying Instructor (restricted)
Chief Flying Instructor

CFI: Chief Flying Instructor - within an organisation, not a CAA rating.
FI: Flying Instructor
FI(R): Flying Instructor (Restricted) - on initial qualification as FI you are not allowed to send students first solo or first solo cross country. This restriction is lifted after gaining experience under the supervision of more experienced instructors.
AFI: Assistant Flying Instructor - pre-JAA equivalent of FI(R), no longer in use.
QFI: Qualified Flying Instructor - military only rating (in UK) meaning an instructor who has passed an RAF Central Flying School course in flying instruction.

Thanks for the replies!!

Let me just clear this up, a CFI is a FI who has the most instructing experience in that company/flying school.

Thanks again.

Not necessarily the most experience, but the one with overall responsibility..

In the USA CFI stands for Certified Flying Instructor.

Ah thanks.

Its all cleared up now!

Spinningtop.