What basic flight maneuvers should all CFI candidates be proficient in?

The proficiency in straight and level flight, turns, climbs, descents, and stalls is fundamental for all Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) candidates as these maneuvers form the foundation of basic flight operations. Mastery of these techniques is critical not only for safe flying but also for teaching students effectively.

Straight and level flight is essential for establishing and maintaining stable flight, while turns enable pilots to change direction safely and efficiently. Climbing and descending maneuvers are necessary for managing altitude changes, which is a common requirement during flight operations. Stalls are particularly important because understanding how to recognize and recover from them is crucial for ensuring safety in flight. These competencies allow an instructor to demonstrate and explain basic flight principles clearly, ultimately leading to a better learning experience for students.

The other options involve specialized skills that, while important, are not as foundational as the basic flight maneuvers. They would typically be learned after establishing proficiency in the fundamental operations.