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Assistant Flight Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Worker Type Regular Summary The Flight Training Manager (FTM) is responsible for supervising and ... 8-15 instructors. * Assist the Field Operations team with the hiring of Field Service ...

Teach flight fundamentals and advanced piloting skills for combat and contested environments ... * Assist with payload integration, communication pathways, and mission-relevant system ...

Develop Mission Essential Tasks (METs). * Assist with mission directives, policies, procedures, and ... Instructor, Evaluator, Weapons, Standards & Evaluation, or Training Flight experience. * Expertise ...

Space Operations Training Instructor

Yuba City, CA · On-site

$60K - $79K/yr

Develop Mission Essential Tasks (METs). * Assist with mission directives, policies, procedures, and ... Instructor, Evaluator, Weapons, Standards & Evaluation, or Training Flight experience. * Expertise ...

MQ-9 Sensor Operator

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$78.94 - $83.73/hr

In-Flight/Post-Flight: Assist in air navigation, fire control planning, and determining effective ... Instructor Sensor Operator requirements as follows: - Sensor Operator III: MCE + LRE + INST/MAQ ...

Showing results 21-40

Assistant Flight Instructor information

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How much do assistant flight instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant flight instructor in California is $21.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $25.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant Flight Instructor vs Flight Instructor?

AspectAssistant Flight InstructorFlight Instructor
CertificationsRequires a commercial pilot certificate and instructor ratingsRequires a commercial pilot certificate and instructor ratings
Work EnvironmentAssists in flight training under supervisionLeads flight training sessions independently
ResponsibilitiesSupports flight instruction, observes, and assistsProvides full flight instruction, evaluates students

In summary, an Assistant Flight Instructor supports and assists Flight Instructors in training pilots, often under supervision, while Flight Instructors independently lead training sessions and evaluate students. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in responsibilities and independence.

What is an assistant flight instructor?

Assistant Flight Instructors are licensed pilots who help main flight instructors teach student pilots the fundamentals of flying. Their responsibilities often include conducting ground instruction, supervising flight training sessions, assisting with pre-flight and post-flight briefings, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. While they may not have full instructor privileges, they play a vital role in supporting the learning process and helping students build confidence and skills. Assistant Flight Instructors work under the supervision of fully certified flight instructors and are an essential part of many flight schools.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Flight Instructor, you need a solid understanding of aerodynamics, flight operations, and safety procedures, typically supported by a commercial pilot license and a certified flight instructor (CFI) rating. Familiarity with flight training devices, flight planning software, and aviation regulations is essential. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to adapt teaching techniques to different learning styles are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure effective student instruction, regulatory compliance, and the safe operation of training flights.

What are some common challenges assistant flight instructors face when working with student pilots?

Assistant Flight Instructors often encounter students with varying learning styles and confidence levels, which can make adapting lesson plans a key challenge. Balancing safety with effective teaching during real-time flight scenarios requires strong communication and quick decision-making. Additionally, instructors must manage administrative tasks such as maintaining accurate training records and ensuring compliance with aviation regulations. Collaborating closely with senior instructors and other staff is also essential for providing consistent, high-quality instruction and supporting students’ progress.
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs in California? The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Flight Instructor jobs in California? For Assistant Flight Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Flight Instructor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Flight Instructor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Flight Instructor jobs? Cities in California with the most Assistant Flight Instructor job openings:

Manager, Flight Training

AeroVironment

Petaluma, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago


AeroVironment rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Worker Type

Regular


Job Description

Summary

The Flight Training Manager (FTM) is responsible for supervising and developing the Training program to ensure effective Training operations for the Medium Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (MUAS) Jump20 program and other special programs. The FTM will build rapport and collaboration with the instruction team. The Training program consists of Basic Qualification, Instructor Qualification, Refresher, and Requalification Training. The Training cycle is variable based on demand and growth. The FTM is primarily responsible for producing qualified, competent and agile operators/mechanics to support US government and other customers. The Training consists of classroom academics, simulators (both in person and remote Training), and field operations. Additionally, the FTM supports customer-facing product demonstration events for existing and potential customers as required.

Position Responsibilities

  • Cultivate a professional, cohesive team environment leading to efficient and effective Training.

  • Execute concurrent simultaneous phases of Training in support of multiple programs with a group of 8-15 instructors.

  • Assist the Field Operations team with the hiring of Field Service Representatives (FSRs) for each class.

  • Refine and develop course materials and syllabus content.

  • Develop and evaluate Training budgets.

  • Ensure Instructors are teaching standardized procedures.

  • Conduct after action reports on Training for continued improvement.

  • Ensures Training area (air and ground space) is sufficient to accommodate MUAS Operator Training Course.

  • Works closely with product line management to review flight test and customer feedback for the express purpose of identifying preventative and corrective actions that will lead to a better-trained Operator/Mechanic.

  • Exercises supervision in terms of costs, methods, and staffing; mentors and provides guidance to staff.

  • Regularly interacts with senior management or executive levels on matters concerning several functional areas, divisions, and/or customers.

  • Travel (International & Domestic) up to 80%

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

  • Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent years of experience in Training.

  • 5+ years of technical adult learning and education program experience.

  • 5+ years of personnel management experience.

  • Past experience in manned and/or unmanned aviation in either fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft as an Operator, Pilot, Flight Engineer or Mechanic.

  • Broad knowledge of learning techniques.

  • Proven experience of delivering high-quality learning experiences.

  • Proven ability to effectively manage, lead and motivate a team.

  • Project management and customer service skills to manage multiple priorities in a complex challenging environment.

  • Demonstrated intermediate to advanced computer skills and proficiency with office software, productivity tools and relevant flight software.

  • Because of various out-of-area Training/maintenance requirements, must be available on both short and long-term assignments away from home, both CONUS and OCONUS.

  • Clean driving record requiredin order to drive company vehicles

  • Active Secret Security Clearance, or ability to obtain one

  • Ability to speak, read, and write in English.

  • Ability to travel up to 25% annually.

  • Be able to obtain a US Passport.

  • Must be able to travel (International & Domestic) up to 80%

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.

  • Experienced people leader and team player.

  • Skilled at working on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth knowledge of the company.

  • Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel)

  • Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees.

  • Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness and the creation of a shared vision.

  • Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change.

  • Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationships.

  • Be able to Assess the degree of risk and opportunity in plans or actions and takes appropriate action to mitigate them or makes plans to build on the opportunity.

  • This position is required to be onsite as needed (scheduled in advance). Initially there will be flexibility in where the person holding this position lives. At a future date to be determined (expected 6 months - 1 year), it is expected for this person to relocate to California near the training office for permanent onsite responsibilities. Location of permanent training offices to be determined.

Physical Demands

  • Able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and traverse across uneven ground and varying terrain (Frequent).

  • Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment (Frequent)

  • Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Constant)


Clearance Level

Secret

The salary range for this role is:

$117,500 - $179,250

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment's determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment's business requirements. A "U.S. person" according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

About AV:

AV isn't for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don't just build defense technology-we redefine what's possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian-but we're not building history, we're building what's next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters-with speed, scale, and purpose-there's no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data,sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.

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