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Airplane Flight Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The primary purpose of the AIRPLANE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR, GS-2181-13, is to both personally pilot and to instruct others in the piloting of highly advanced military Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) which ...

Flight Instructor

Bend, OR · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Flight Instructor ASE, Instrument Airplane * Current 1st or 2nd Class Medical * 1500 hours Total * 750 hours Authorized Instructor * IFR Current * No Violations * Detailed knowledge of Federal ...

OverviewThe Flight Instructor provides industry-leading, learner-centric flight training to Cirrus ... Instrument Airplane * Hold FAA Pilot Certificate * Commercial Airplane Single Engine Land

Overview The Flight Instructor provides industry-leading, learner-centric flight training to Cirrus ... Instrument Airplane * Hold FAA Pilot Certificate * Commercial Airplane Single Engine Land

Flight Instructor 4

Alcoa, TN · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Overview The Flight Instructor provides industry-leading, learner-centric flight training to Cirrus ... Instrument Airplane * Hold FAA Pilot Certificate * Commercial Airplane Single Engine Land

Flight Instructor 4

Alcoa, TN · On-site

$104K - $156K/yr

The Flight Instructor provides industry-leading, learner-centric flight training to Cirrus ... Instrument Airplane * Hold FAA Pilot Certificate * Commercial Airplane Single Engine Land

Flight Instructor 4

Alcoa, TN · On-site

$104K - $156K/yr

Overview The Flight Instructor provides industry-leading, learner-centric flight training to Cirrus ... Instrument Airplane * Hold FAA Pilot Certificate * Commercial Airplane Single Engine Land

OverviewThe Flight Instructor provides industry-leading, learner-centric flight training to Cirrus ... Instrument Airplane * Hold FAA Pilot Certificate * Commercial Airplane Single Engine Land

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Airplane Flight Instructor information

See salary details

$25K

$94.6K

$145.5K

How much do airplane flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for airplane flight instructor in the United States is $94,620.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an airplane flight instructor do?

An Airplane Flight Instructor is a certified pilot who teaches students how to fly airplanes. They provide both ground instruction on aviation theory, safety, and regulations, as well as hands-on training in the cockpit. Flight instructors guide students through maneuvers, emergency procedures, and help them prepare for pilot licensing exams. Their role is crucial in ensuring that future pilots are competent, confident, and meet all regulatory requirements for safe flight.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an airplane flight instructor?

To thrive as an Airplane Flight Instructor, you need a commercial pilot license, a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certification, and a deep understanding of aviation regulations and safety procedures. Familiarity with flight simulation systems, modern avionics, and logbook management tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, patience, and strong situational awareness distinguish top instructors. These competencies ensure effective student training, regulatory compliance, and safe flight operations.

What are some common challenges faced by airplane flight instructors, and how can they be managed?

Airplane Flight Instructors often face the challenge of adapting their teaching style to suit students with varying learning speeds and backgrounds. Managing students' anxiety or nervousness during flight lessons is also common, requiring patience and strong communication skills. Additionally, instructors must balance their instructional duties with maintaining compliance with safety regulations and documentation requirements. Building rapport, staying current with training methodologies, and participating in ongoing professional development can help manage these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Airplane Flight Instructor vs Pilot?

AspectAirplane Flight InstructorPilot
Required CertificationsCertified Flight Instructor (CFI), Commercial Pilot CertificateCommercial Pilot Certificate, Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentFlight schools, training aircraft, instructional settingsAirlines, charter services, corporate flights, private aircraft
Employer & Industry UsageFlight training organizations, flight academiesAirlines, charter companies, corporate flight departments

While both roles involve flying aircraft, an Airplane Flight Instructor primarily trains student pilots and holds specific instructional certifications. A Pilot operates aircraft for transportation or commercial purposes. The instructor role focuses on teaching and safety, whereas the pilot role emphasizes flight operation and navigation.

What states have the most Airplane Flight Instructor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Airplane Flight Instructor jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Airplane Flight Instructor jobs?

For Airplane Flight Instructor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Airplane Flight Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,620 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

AIRPLANE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

Sheppard Air Force Base, TX

$113K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an aircraft, simulator & academic instructor for AETC Flying Training programs & to serve as an Instructor Pilot/Pilot in Command during student flying & simulator training missions & to provide instruction to rated pilots in methods of instruction & to evaluate their proficiency to engage in flight instruction.
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
Qualifications:Conditions of Employment Continued:
  • The incumbent is required to complete a formal flight or simulator instructor course (including training on the spectrum of Immersive Training Devices) and continue to meet and maintain AF requirements to pilot training aircraft and provide formal flight and ground training instruction on a recurring and regular basis in support of the mission. Must possess and maintain proper qualifications to exercise the privileges for at least a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Pilot certificate with airplane single (SEL) or multi-engine land (AMEL) and Instrument Airplane ratings, or military equivalent.
  • Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours; schedule may change on a daily basis due to the operational flying schedule. In all cases, the incumbent will adhere to crew duty day definitions and limits IAW AFMAN 11-202 and 11-2 (MDS) series policies when engaging in flight related duties. Duty may include work on weekends and may take place at a location other than home station (Auxiliary fields), and other approved fields during cross-country or out-and-back sorties including normal flight duties as well as ground duties.

Position Requirements:
In order to qualify, you must meet the requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Aircraft Operations Series 2181.
Note: Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Minimum eligibility requirements for positions in this occupation are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the positions.
AND
Certificates and Ratings:
For all grade levels and specializations, candidates must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the military rating, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. For flight instructor positions, the FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or the military equivalent rating is also required. The pilot certificate must include the rating(s) appropriate to the work of the position to be filled. For example, a position that involves flying a multi-engine airplane to various destinations under instrument flight rules would require the Commercial Pilot Certificate with the airplane, multi-engine, and instrument ratings or appropriate U.S. military ratings. Positions that require flying or instructing in flying both airplanes and helicopters require a rating in both categories. Only those ratings necessary to perform the work are required.
Flight Experience:
Candidates must demonstrate possession of the knowledge and skills required for the work by meeting certain minimum flight hour requirements, including recency of flight experience. The categories in which candidates are required to demonstrate proficiency relate to (1) the general knowledge and skills to pilot the aircraft, and (2) the specific knowledge and skills related to the particular position being filled. Only that flight experience that is directly related to the work of the position is required for purposes of establishing minimum eligibility.
Minimum Flight Hour Requirements:
The following flight hour requirements apply to all applicants:
Total Flight Time -- Flight time as pilot-in-command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement. For in-service placements actions, up to one-fourth of the total flight hours may by waived for candidates who have demonstrated possession of the knowledge and skills needed to perform the work, provided:
  • They hold the certificates and ratings required;
  • They have acquired the pilot-in-command hours and flight hours in other categories essential to performance of the work;
  • They meet the requirements in terms of level and quality of experience; and
  • Their flying history indicates they are qualified for the position.
  1. Pilot-In-Command -- Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.
  2. Night Flying -- For in-service placement actions at the GS-11 level and above, 25 hours may be waived if the candidate demonstrates the ability to perform the work.
  3. Flying Time, Last 12 Months -- Required only for positions that involve flying. The flight hours specified apply to competitive appointments. For inservice placement actions, up to one-half of the flight hours may be waived provided the individual's total background reflects the ability to perform the duties of the position safely. For positions flying both helicopters and airplanes, at least one-fourth of the total hours must be in either category of aircraft.
  4. Instrument -- At the GS-11 level and above, at least 10 of the required hours must have been logged in actual instrument weather. The balance may have been acquired in a flight simulator or as other types of instrument flight time, e.g., hood instrument.
  5. Instructor Time -- Must be related to the nature of the instruction work and the category of aircraft operated (i.e., airplane or helicopter) in the position to be filled. If the purpose of the position is to provide instruction in instrument flight techniques, one-half of the flight time must have involved instrument instruction in either airplanes or helicopters.

Flight Hour Requirements: GS-11 and Above (Hours):
  • Total Flight Time - 1500 hours
  • Pilot-In-Command - 250 hours
  • Night Flying - 75 hours
  • Flying Time, Last 12 months - 100 hours
  • Multi-engine Airplane - 500
  • Instrument - 75 hours
  • Instructor Time - 500 Instructor hours

Note: You must submit proof of Flight Hours
Medical Requirements:
At the time of initial appointment, candidates for all pilot positions must possess a current first or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the second-class medical certificate, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. Staff specialists not involved in the operation of aircraft need only have a medical examination indicating that they are able to perform the duties of the position to be filled. For flight test pilots, airspace system inspection pilots, and Customs pilots, all candidates must possess a current first-class medical certificate at the time of appointment.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
See Education section for KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)Education:KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  • Knowledge of aircraft systems and operating procedures, aerodynamics, flying fundamentals, aircraft instrumentation, aerobatic maneuvers, close formation flying, high-speed low-level flight, ground and flight emergency procedures, instrument and visual flight rules, as well as knowledge of the operation, characteristics, and limitations of assigned aircraft.
  • Knowledge of the rules, concepts, techniques, procedures, and operations of flying training programs and objectives related to combat systems training.
  • Knowledge of effective training principles, techniques, and tools required to develop, instruct, evaluate, improve, and conduct training.
  • Skill in demonstrating flying procedures and maneuvers in a unit aircraft.
  • Ability to formulate plans and courses pertaining to flying operations and unit flying training activities.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing, to include public speaking before large and small audiences.
Employment Type: OTHER