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Air Force Pilot Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Air Force, and many Allied partner Nations, Amentum has earned its reputation as a world class ... What You Will Do Amentum instructors teach, coach, and mentor student pilots through intensive ...

Air Force, and many Allied partner Nations, Amentum has earned its reputation as a world class ... What You Will Do Amentum instructors teach, coach, and mentor student pilots through intensive ...

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Air Force Pilot Instructor information

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$39.5K

$103K

$171.5K

How much do air force pilot instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for air force pilot instructor in the United States is $103,038.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Air Force Pilot Instructor vs Air Force Flight Examiner?

AspectAir Force Pilot InstructorAir Force Flight Examiner
CredentialsMilitary pilot certification, instructor ratingsMilitary pilot certification, examiner qualification
Work EnvironmentTraining aircraft, classrooms, simulatorsFlight testing, evaluation flights, safety checks
Employer & IndustryU.S. Air Force, military training unitsU.S. Air Force, flight safety and certification

Air Force Pilot Instructors primarily train new pilots and enhance existing pilots' skills, focusing on instruction and mentorship. In contrast, Air Force Flight Examiners evaluate pilots' proficiency through testing and flight evaluations to ensure safety and compliance. Both roles require military pilot certifications and involve working within the Air Force's aviation training and safety framework, but their core responsibilities differ in training versus assessment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Air Force Pilot Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Force Pilot Instructor, you need advanced piloting expertise, a strong grasp of aeronautical theory, and completion of military flight training along with instructor certification. Familiarity with flight simulators, mission planning software, and aircraft-specific avionics systems is typically required. Leadership, clear communication, and mentorship abilities are crucial soft skills for effectively training and evaluating student pilots. These competencies ensure safe, effective instruction and help develop skilled, mission-ready Air Force pilots.

What are some common challenges faced by Air Force Pilot Instructors when training new pilots?

Air Force Pilot Instructors often encounter the challenge of adapting their teaching styles to accommodate diverse learning speeds and backgrounds among trainees. They must balance the need for safety with ensuring that trainees receive sufficient hands-on flight experience and develop critical decision-making skills. Additionally, instructors are responsible for providing constructive feedback under demanding schedules, all while maintaining high standards of performance and discipline. Effective communication, patience, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful pilot development.

What are Air Force Pilot Instructors?

Air Force Pilot Instructors are experienced pilots who train and mentor new pilots within the Air Force. They are responsible for teaching flight techniques, safety procedures, and mission protocols using both classroom instruction and hands-on flight training. These instructors ensure that new pilots meet rigorous standards and are prepared for operational assignments. Their role is critical in maintaining the skill and readiness of Air Force personnel.
More about Air Force Pilot Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Air Force Pilot Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Air Force Pilot Instructor job openings:
What states have the most Air Force Pilot Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Air Force Pilot Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Air Force Pilot Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,038 per year, or $49.5 per hour.
KC-46 Pilot Instructor

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


FlightSafety International rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 205 rated education and training


Job description

Salary Range: ((salaryMin)) - ((salaryMax))
Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, education, skills, and experience as well as market demands. These factors impact the salary/wage offered.
Benefits:
FlightSafety offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes vacation, sick leave, a 401k match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits.
About FlightSafety International
FlightSafety International is the world's premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award-winning maintenance training at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.
About FlightSafety International
FlightSafety International is the world's premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award-winning maintenance training at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.
KC-46 - Pilot Instructor
Purpose of position:
The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of all simulator-based training in the Weapon System Trainer (WST), including pre-briefings and debriefings, for U.S. Air Force and Allied Nation KC-46 Pilots attending Initial, Upgrade, Requalification, and Refresher training, as well as Maintenance Personnel attending Engine Run Initial Qualification and Refresher Training . Duties include instructing and measuring training progress of Pilot and Maintenance students who attend established aircrew training curricula.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
  • Conduct all Initial, Upgrade, Requalification, and Refresher training using devices, such as a classroom, Pilot Part Task Trainer (PTTP), Boom Operator Part Task Trainer (PTTB), Boom Operator Trainer (BOT), Fuselage Trainer (FuT), WST, and KC-46 aircraft.
  • Conduct other ground-based training, as required, for Aircrew Members in tanker and receiver operating procedures, including diagnosis and remediation of student problems.
  • Conduct Initial and Recurring training for Maintenance Personnel attending Engine Run courses.
  • Conduct briefings, debriefings, and perform counseling with Aircrew Members and Maintenance Personnel to develop and maintain the highest level of student technical acumen and proficiency.
  • Extract student data, analyze results, and prepare for student review sessions.
  • Serve as KC-46 Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME) for students and other applicable personnel, as required.
  • Maintain exceptional standards of instruction, knowledge levels, capabilities, and expertise.
  • Develop and maintain exceptional knowledge of KC-46 aircraft systems and operating procedures.
  • Consistently display exceptional knowledge and application of instructional principles and theories pertaining to aircrew training systems.
  • Provide inputs for courseware corrections and modifications, along with updates to training policies and procedures.
  • Operate Student Management System.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree, or four years combination of education and experience in addition to what is listed below.

Minimum Experience:
Experience as a qualified Receiver Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR) Pilot Flight Instructor, or as a Receiver AAR Aircrew Training System (ATS) Instructor. Either position must have been held within 5 years of the date of assignment to the KC-46 ATS. Shall have logged a minimum of 200 flying hours in U.S. Air Force or Allied Nation receiver aircraft, or equivalent flight simulator, with at least 50% occurring in the aircraft. Tanker AAR Pilot Instructor experience is highly desirable. Type rating in B-767 preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Morally and ethically influence others to successfully achieve program goals.
  • Fluently read, write, speak, and understand English.
  • Display excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Possess the ability to interface with students and provide on-the-spot remediation, or determine other courses of action, as necessary.
  • Possess basic knowledge of personal computers and software applications, such as word processing applications, spreadsheets, and databases.
  • Successfully accomplish an annual internal standardization evaluation.
  • Currently possess, or demonstrate the ability to obtain, a SECRET clearance.

Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the teammate is regularly required to sit, use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The teammate must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. The teammate must have close and distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
FlightSafety is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.
This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the U.S. export regulations including but not limited to the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations. For roles subject to these regulations, applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person, or FlightSafety must be granted the appropriate authorization from the governing agencies whose technology and information comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires the approval of an export license will be conditional on FlightSafety International's determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a timeframe consistent with our business requirements. A "U.S. Person" according to the applicable definitions is a U.S. Citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee.
FlightSafety is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.
Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of required compliance reviews, including verification that the candidate is not prohibited from employment under U.S. economic sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
This position may require access to export-controlled technology or services subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Employment consideration and any offer of employment are contingent upon the applicant's ability to comply with these requirements, including qualifying as a "U.S. Person" under applicable regulations or otherwise eligible for export authorization within a timeframe consistent with business needs. A "U.S. Person" includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (holders of approved and unexpired green cards), and certain refugees or asylees with protected status under U.S. law.
This position may also require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance for the duration of employment.
Cybersecurity Notice: All official recruiting communication from FlightSafety International will come from an @flightsafety.com email address. FlightSafety International will never ask for personal or financial information through social media or third-party email providers.
Washington State Candidates: To report concerns or corrections regarding pay transparency compliance for this posting, please contact us at PayTransparency@flightsafety.com.

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