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Air Force Pilot Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C17 pilots ... Serves as Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Evaluator, when assigned by the Employer.

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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 Jun 12, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,038 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Other

Posted 2 days ago


FlightSafety International rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 194 rated education and training


Job description

Position Purpose: The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C17 pilots, including instructing and measuring training progress of crewmembers who train in the established Training System (TS) curriculum. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Conducts training using devices, such as the Weapon System Trainer (WST), the C-17 aircraft, Computer-Based Trainers (CBT), and other ground training for all C-17 TS pilots in air drop, aerial refueling/transport operating procedures, including diagnosis and remediation of student problems. Maintains a high level of subject knowledge, instruction capability, and expertise.

Conducts briefings and debriefings and counsels all pilots and Maintenance Engine Run personnel for the purpose of developing and maintaining a high level of proficiency. Performs administrative duties relative to training, such as interfacing with the user organization, record keeping, monitoring student progress, counseling, training development, and maintenance of training programs. Provides inputs for courseware corrections and modifications and updates training policies and procedures.

Flies the WST (as required) to maintain instructional expertise. Flies on the airplane (as required) in observer status to maintain currency on operational procedures and to observe student progress. Other Duties and Responsibilities: Serves as C-17 Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME) for students, other personnel, and test events, as required.

Serves as Flight Check Airman (FCA)(Lead), when assigned by the Employer. Serves as Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Evaluator, when assigned by the Employer. Accomplishes Simulator Certification (SIMCERT)/Simulator Evaluation (SIMVAL) duties when assigned by the Employer.

Assists in project and development work, as assigned. Periodically attends Operations Group Standardization/Evaluation (Stan/Eval) Boards (SEB) and Training Review Panels (TRP), as well as Formal Training Unit (FTU) instructor meetings (when FCA is unavailable). Attends Headquarters (HQ) Air Mobility Command (AMC) curriculum reviews, HQ AMC Stan/Eval Conferences, and/or Flight Manual Review Conferences (FMRC), as required (when FCA is unavailable).

Accomplishes Learning Center monitor duties, as assigned. Accomplishes safety representative duties, as designated/assigned. Accomplishes physical/cyber security representative duties, as assigned.

Accomplishes hazardous materials (HAZMAT) duties, as designated/assigned. Travels, as required. Performs other duties, as assigned.

Teammates are held accountable for all duties of this job. Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function and responsibility satisfactorily. The following requirements are representative of the necessary qualifications.

Knowledge, Skills and Ability: Ability to fluently read, write, speak, and understand English. Ability to clearly relay information, both verbally and written, to others. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from customers.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Working knowledge of instructional principles and theories pertaining to TSs. Working knowledge of personal computers and software applications, such as, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Successfully accomplish annual internal standardization evaluations. Possess an active SECRET Security Clearance. Education and Formal Training: Bachelor's degree required.

Experience: Eight (8) years flying experience, five (5) years of which as a C-17 pilot with air drop and aerial refueling experience, or able to obtain an AMC/A3TK waiver. Two (2) years or 200 hours of flight instructor experience in air drop, aerial refueling, and tactics. Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience and CATS MECOC certification desired.

Materials and Equipment Directly Used: C-17 WST C-17 Aircraft CBT Systems Overhead projectors, classroom presentation equipment Training Management System / Graduate Training Management Information System (GTIMS) Copy Machine Computer Software applications, such as, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint Working Environment/Physical Situation: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a teammate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a teammate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Position Purpose: The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C17 pilots, including instructing and measuring training progress of crewmembers who train in the established Training System (TS) curriculum.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Conducts training using devices, such as the Weapon System Trainer (WST), the C-17 aircraft, Computer-Based Trainers (CBT), and other ground training for all C-17 TS pilots in air drop, aerial refueling/transport operating procedures, including diagnosis and remediation of student problems. Maintains a high level of subject knowledge, instruction capability, and expertise. Conducts briefings and debriefings and counsels all pilots and Maintenance Engine Run personnel for the purpose of developing and maintaining a high level of proficiency.

Performs administrative duties relative to training, such as interfacing with the user organization, record keeping, monitoring student progress, counseling, training development, and maintenance of training programs. Provides inputs for courseware corrections and modifications and updates training policies and procedures. Flies the WST (as required) to maintain instructional expertise.

Flies on the airplane (as required) in observer status to maintain currency on operational procedures and to observe student progress. Other Duties and Responsibilities: Serves as C-17 Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME) for students, other personnel, and test events, as required. Serves as Flight Check Airman (FCA)(Lead), when assigned by the Employer.

Serves as Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Evaluator, when assigned by the Employer. Accomplishes Simulator Certification (SIMCERT)/Simulator Evaluation (SIMVAL) duties when assigned by the Employer. Assists in project and development work, as assigned.

Periodically attends Operations Group Standardization/Evaluation (Stan/Eval) Boards (SEB) and Training Review Panels (TRP), as well as Formal Training Unit (FTU) instructor meetings (when FCA is unavailable). Attends Headquarters (HQ) Air Mobility Command (AMC) curriculum reviews, HQ AMC Stan/Eval Conferences, and/or Flight Manual Review Conferences (FMRC), as required (when FCA is unavailable). Accomplishes Learning Center monitor duties, as assigned.

Accomplishes safety representative duties, as designated/assigned. Accomplishes physical/cyber security representative duties, as assigned. Accomplishes hazardous materials (HAZMAT) duties, as designated/assigned.

Travels, as required. Performs other duties, as assigned. Teammates are held accountable for all duties of this job.

Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function and responsibility satisfactorily. The following requirements are representative of the necessary qualifications. Knowledge, Skills and Ability: Ability to fluently read, write, speak, and understand English.

Ability to clearly relay information, both verbally and written, to others. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from customers. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Working knowledge of instructional principles and theories pertaining to TSs. Working knowledge of personal computers and software applications, such as, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Successfully accomplish annual internal standardization evaluations.

Possess an active SECRET Security Clearance. Education and Formal Training: Bachelor's degree required. Experience: Eight (8) years flying experience, five (5) years of which as a C-17 pilot with air drop and aerial refueling experience, or able to obtain an AMC/A3TK waiver.

Two (2) years or 200 hours of flight instructor experience in air drop, aerial refueling, and tactics. Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience and CATS MECOC certification desired. Materials and Equipment Directly Used: C-17 WST C-17 Aircraft CBT Systems Overhead projectors, classroom presentation equipment Training Management System / Graduate Training Management Information System (GTIMS) Copy Machine Computer Software applications, such as, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint Working Environment/Physical Situation: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a teammate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a teammate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Position Purpose: The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C17 pilots, including instructing and measuring training progress of crewmembers who train in the established Training System (TS) curriculum. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Conducts training using devices, such as the Weapon System Trainer (WST), the C-17 aircraft, Computer-Based Trainers (CBT), and other ground training for all C-17 TS pilots in air drop, aerial refueling/transport operating procedures, including diagnosis and remediation of student problems.

Maintains a high level of subject knowledge, instruction capability, and expertise. Conducts briefings and debriefings and counsels all pilots and Maintenance Engine Run personnel for the purpose of developing and maintaining a high level of proficiency. Performs administrative duties relative to training, such as interfacing with the user organization, record keeping, monitoring student progress, counseling, training development, and maintenance of training programs.

Provides inputs for courseware corrections and modifications and updates training policies and procedures. Flies the WST (as required) to maintain instructional expertise. Flies on the airplane (as required) in observer status to maintain currency on operational procedures and to observe student progress.

Other Duties and Responsibilities: Serves as C-17 Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME) for students, other personnel, and test events, as required. Serves as Flight Check Airman (FCA)(Lead), when assigned by the Employer. Serves as Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Evaluator, when assigned by the Employer.

Accomplishes Simulator Certification (SIMCERT)/Simulator Evaluation (SIMVAL) duties when assigned by the Employer. Assists in project and development work, as assigned. Periodically attends Operations Group Standardization/Evaluation (Stan/Eval) Boards (SEB) and Training Review Panels (TRP), as well as Formal Training Unit (FTU) instructor meetings (when FCA is unavailable).

Attends Headquarters (HQ) Air Mobility Command (AMC) curriculum reviews, HQ AMC Stan/Eval Conferences, and/or Flight Manual Review Conferences (FMRC), as required (when FCA is unavailable). Accomplishes Learning Center monitor duties, as assigned. Accomplishes safety representative duties, as designated/assigned.

Accomplishes physical/cyber security representative duties, as assigned. Accomplishes hazardous materials (HAZMAT) duties, as designated/assigned. Travels, as required.

Performs other duties, as assigned. Teammates are held accountable for all duties of this job. Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function and responsibility satisfactorily.

The following requirements are representative of the necessary qualifications. Knowledge, Skills and Ability: Ability to fluently read, write, speak, and understand English. Ability to clearly relay information, both verbally and written, to others.

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from customers. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Working knowledge of instructional principles and theories pertaining to TSs.

Working knowledge of personal computers and software applications, such as, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Successfully accomplish annual internal standardization evaluations. Possess an active SECRET Security Clearance.

Education and Formal Training: Bachelor's degree required. Experience: Eight (8) years flying experience, five (5) years of which as a C-17 pilot with air drop and aerial refueling experience, or able to obtain an AMC/A3TK waiver. Two (2) years or 200 hours of flight instructor experience in air drop, aerial refueling, and tactics.

Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience and CATS MECOC certification desired. Materials and Equipment Directly Used: C-17 WST C-17 Aircraft CBT Systems Overhead projectors, classroom presentation equipment Training Management System / Graduate Training Management Information System (GTIMS) Copy Machine Computer Software applications, such as, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint Working Environment/Physical Situation: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a teammate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a teammate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

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