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Assistant Flight Instructor Jobs in Edwards, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Assistant Flight Instructor information

See Edwards, CA salary details

$9

$24

$48

How much do assistant flight instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant flight instructor in Edwards, CA is $24.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.98 and $28.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 job categories do people searching Assistant Flight Instructor jobs in Edwards, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Flight Instructor jobs in Edwards, CA are:

What cities near Edwards, CA are hiring for Assistant Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities near Edwards, CA with the most Assistant Flight Instructor job openings:

TEST PILOT FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR- DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY

Edwards, CA • On-site, Remote


Air Force Materiel Command
National Security • 10K+ employees

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$128K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Summary
Veteran's preference does not apply to DHA recruitment
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for more information.
The primary purpose of this position is to produce highly-adaptive critical thinking flight test professionals, serves as a test pilot flight instructor for the USAF Test Pilot School
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • Instructs operationally experienced pilots, navigators, and engineers in complex, highly-specialized, and highly-advanced flight test techniques which reinforce flight test theory taught in the classroom.
  • Define, integrate, & implement curriculum development for a graduate level educational program.
  • Supports flight operations by acting as squadron Safety Officer and/or Assistant Operations Officer and/or
    flying Hour Program manager, Government Flight Representative, and/or phase instructor for the Performance, Flying Qualities, Systems, Qualitative Evaluation or Test Management branches.
  • Represent Test Pilot School as a recognized flight test technical expert at national and international symposium and conferences including but not limited to ones sponsored by the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, the
    Society of Flight Test Engineers, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the International Test and Evaluation Association and the Flight Test Safety Committee.
  • Provides advice in formulating the broad educational and training policies of TPS and directs or leads broad
    studies that affect command and USAF missions.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • Selectee is expected to be granted with and/or maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position.
  • Selectee may be required to serve a probationary or trial period.
  • Relocation costs or other incentives may be available and considered by the organization.
  • This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • This position may require drug testing and the candidate may be subject to passing a drug test upon selection.
  • Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays
  • Shift work and emergency overtime may be required
  • Employee must maintain current certifications
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
  • Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
  • Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • Incumbent must meet USAF Class II flying requirements to include physical requirements to fly ejection seat aircraft, at the time of appointment.
  • Incumbent will have access to flight surgeons and must comply with AFI 48 -1 23 requirements to see a flight surgeon for Duties Not Involving Flying (DNIF) and Return to Flying S tatus (RTFS) determinations.
  • The incumbent is required to meet and maintain AF requirements to pilot aircraft on a recurring and regular basis in support of the mission.
  • Must possess/maintain proper qualifications to exercise the privileges for at least a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Pilot certificate with airplane multi-engine land (AMEL) and Instrument Airplane ratings, or military equivalent.
  • Previous experience as an instructor/mission commander in fighter aircraft (F-1 5 , F-1 6, F-1 8 , F-22, F-35 , etc), and graduation from USAF Test Pilot School, USN Test Pilot School, Empire Test Pilot School or EPNER is
  • Incumbent may be required to stand for several hours at a time while instructing in a classroom environment.

Qualifications
Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Aircraft Operation Series 2181. Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement.
BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: 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. For flight instructor positions, the FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or the military equivalent rating is also required.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-13, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes: In-Depth experience with Air Force flight standards and ability to provide policy and standards at an Air Force level. Advanced knowledge of instructor/evaluator flight operations and ability to provide oversight and flight expertise in the development of policies and procedures in emerging aviation technology. Experience in worldwide aeronautical functions, operations, policies and concepts to include ICAO Standards and FAA regulatory and procedural guidance.
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-13 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-14 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.
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:
  • Mastery of USAF aircraft operations, aircrew training, aircrew standardization and evaluation, aerospace resource management, aircrew life support, aircraft and aircrew safety, and aircraft flight test management; systems and operating procedures, advanced instrument techniques, aerobatic maneuvers, close formation flying, high-speed low-level flight, aerial refueling, aggressor and defensive combat, and range missions with ordnance, as well as knowledge of high-performance fighter aircraft, and of the operation, characteristics, and limitations of the corresponding aircraft simulator.
  • Knowledge of the methods, AF principles, practices, and programs related to curriculum development, instructional techniques, and training resources. S ingle and Multi-Engine Functional Check Flight and Operational Test Flight experience required.
  • Knowledge of the Instructional Systems Development (ISD) process, requirements of fighter pilot training, and the pilot training syllabus.
  • Skill in the use of a variety of computer applications and software, to include simulator systems sufficient to meet desired learning objectives and to demonstrate flying procedures and maneuvers.
  • Skill in review and analysis techniques and methods to appraise assigned programs or projects; identify needs and solutions; develop goals, policies, and procedures; monitor progress; and evaluate success.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing, clearly, concisely and with technical accuracy.

Ideal Candidate:
This job is for an experienced flight tester and leader who has the background, commitment, and vision to take on this once in a generation opportunity to become an Instructor Test Pilot at the USAF Test Pilot School. Candidates must be intellectually inquisitive, articulate, passionate about flying and education, an engaging speaker, an experienced leader, and a highly skilled military test pilot.
Desired background for this nationally/internationally recognized technical expert in airborne flight test and evaluation includes a Masters Degree in Engineering or Physics, 10+ years of experience in military flight test; prior teaching experience; involvement in flight test professional organizations such as SETP, SFTE, and/or AIAA, author of several technical publications/symposia presentations, and leadership experience.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
Additional information
This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in selection.
This job announcement may close at any time - apply now!
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.


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