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Assistant Flight Instructor Jobs in Fullerton, CA

King Air 350 - Check Pilot

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$55K - $178K/yr

... * Assist the Pilot-in-Command during all phases of flight in accordance with operating P&P ... Operate as PIC and Flight Instructor till ready for Check Pilot Duties * Operate as PIC and Check ...

Test Pilot

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$135K - $250K/yr

... flight test experience, or test pilot school graduate Preferred Skills and Experience * Instructor ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

King Air 350 - Check Pilot

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$65K - $178K/yr

... * Assist the Pilot-in-Command during all phases of flight in accordance with operating P&P ... Operate as PIC and Flight Instructor till ready for Check Pilot Duties * Operate as PIC and Check ...

... flight test experience, or test pilot school graduate Preferred Skills and Experience * Instructor ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

... flight test experience, or test pilot school graduate Preferred Skills and Experience * Instructor ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

Assistant Flight Instructor information

See Fullerton, CA salary details

$9

$25

$49

How much do assistant flight instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant flight instructor in Fullerton, CA is $25.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $29.86 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 cities near Fullerton, CA are hiring for Assistant Flight Instructor jobs?

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

Experimental Flight Test Pilot

ROBINSON HELICOPTER CO INC

Torrance, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Founded in 1973, Robinson Helicopter Company Inc., (RHC), is the preeminent manufacturer of civil rotorcraft located in Torrance, California.  Robinson has built its reputation on a 50-year history of commitment to providing affordable and quality aircraft with a wide range of applications.  We have a strong engineering team; almost 85% of our manufacturing processes, including production of parts and assembly, are done in our Torrance location.  We also offer comprehensive overhaul services while rapidly responding to customers’ needs; to keep their aircraft flying.  Our commitment to our vision of keeping our customers flying has earned RHC a variety of recognition from our customers.

Robinson is an engineering focused organization that provides challenging and exciting opportunities to contribute to the future of vertical flight.

As an Experimental Test Pilot at Robinson Helicopter, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development and certification of the most widely used civil helicopters in the world.  The Experimental Flight Test Pilot is part of a small and nimble flight test team plans, executes, analyzes, and reports on ground and flight test of experimental rotorcraft and/or systems.  You will be challenged with bringing unique and complex aircraft from development through certification.     
 

Responsibilities

  • Serve as PIC for development, research, and certification flight tests of experimental rotorcraft.
  • Conduct varying, complex flight test projects for rotorcraft including writing flight test plans, test cards, flight reports, and test reports
  • Lead and/or participate in ground and flight tests as pilot, test crew member, or Test Conductor
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to develop test strategies, determine test configurations, plan, and execute test programs in a safe, effective, and efficient manner.
  • Comply with department processes and standard operating procedures to ensure flight testing is accomplished with high levels of safety, effectiveness, consistency, and efficiency.
  • Contribute insights and innovations to improve the product and organization.
  • Participate in multi-disciplinary design reviews and assist with resolving cross-functional technical issues.
  • Participate in the Flight Test Safety Program to ensure safety objectives are accomplished including participation in flight test plan reviews, test flights, pre and post test flight briefings and test readiness reviews.
  • Interface with regulator (FAA, EASA, TCCA, etc) flight test personnel to conduct flight test aspects of aircraft certification. 
  • Maintain required records and conduct audits to verify compliance with processes and procedures.
  • Maintain flying currency and proficiency in multiple different aircraft types.

Required Qualifications

  • Pilot graduate of a SETP recognized test pilot school or possess substantial experience in development and certification flight test programs.
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering field or equivalent experience.
  • 5+ years’ experience as an experimental RW test pilot.
  • FAA Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certificate.
  • FAA Second Class Medical.
  • Minimum 1,000 hrs Helicopter PIC time.
  • Significant experience managing Risk and Safety in the flight test environment.
  • Experience in development and type certification flight test programs for fixed or rotary-wing aircraft.
  • Excellent academic record.
  • Demonstrated strong and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Team-oriented, possess a positive attitude, and work well with others
  • Able to work irregular hours and workdays, and travel periodically
  • Proven self-starter requiring minimal supervision, with strong project management, organization, and risk management skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office products and engineering software tools

Desired Qualifications

  • Significant experience in multiple makes and models of rotorcraft.
  • DER and/or ODA experience.
  • Master’s degree in engineering.
  • Human-to-vehicle interface design, test and evaluation experience.
  • FAA Helicopter Instructor pilot certificate and experience.
  • Previous experience with advanced flight controls.