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Assistant Flight Instructor Jobs in Portland, OR

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Assistant Flight Instructor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$25

$50

How much do assistant flight instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant flight instructor in Portland, OR is $25.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $30.34 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 are Assistant Flight Instructors?

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, and why are they important?

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 Portland, OR? The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Portland, OR are:
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What job categories do people searching Assistant Flight Instructor jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Flight Instructor jobs in Portland, OR are:
Assistant Flight Instructor jobs near you
Helicopter Chief Instructor

Helicopter Chief Instructor

Hillsboro Aero Academy

Troutdale, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

The history of flight training at Hillsboro Aero Academy (HAA) is a story of hard work and a love for flying that has led to one of the most respected flight schools and communities of pilots in the world. What started in 1980 as a one-helicopter flight school, and has since grown into a professional flight training academy that now trains hundreds of professional helicopter and airplane pilots every year.

We’ve spent over 40 years refining our helicopter and airplane flight training programs to help students turn their dream of flying into a career. Graduates from our school work for aviation companies around the globe, and our fleet includes over 100 aircraft that log thousands of flight hours annually. We’re one of the largest combined helicopter and airplane flight training schools in the U.S., with students from over 75 countries across the world.

Helicopter Chief Instructor Job Summary:

The Helicopter Chief Instructor is responsible for the operational oversight of Hillsboro Aero Academy's helicopter pilot training school. The Chief Instructor will work in tandem with our helicopter Administration Manager to ensure our training program excels at training professional and highly competent commercial helicopter pilots. The Chief Instructor will be responsible for all aspects of flight and ground instruction, safety of operations, quality of training and compliance with Part 141 regulations. The Helicopter Chief Instructor will also lead our team of Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs). The Chief position offers a great combination of flight and management responsibilities and the chance to be a critical part of our world-renown flight training academy.

Job Duties:

Responsibilities for this position include Chief Instructor duties as described in § 141.85. This includes ensuring that a high quality of professional ground and flight instruction is maintained, while at the same time providing industry leading customer service to our students. A monthly safety meeting is led by the Chief Instructor to ensure standardization and safe practices are maintained. The Chief will develop and revise new and existing courses to meet the needs of our customers and changing regulations. This role also oversees the helicopter school staff to include assistant chief instructors, check instructors and line CFIs. Hillsboro Aero Academy has an active SMS system and the Chief Instructor will be a Department Safety Manager (DSM) for the helicopter school. This position requires flying with instructors conducting standardization training, as well as flying with students conducting progress and end of course checks. The Chief Instructor is responsible for interviewing, hiring and training new CFI staff and approving employee time cards. From time to time, the Chief will be required to attend meetings with regulators, partners and others as needed.

Qualifications/Licenses:

  • Must hold a valid FAA Class 2 Medical Certificate
  • Must hold a valid FAA Certified Flight Instructor Rotorcraft Helicopter Rating
  • A valid FAA Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Rotorcraft Helicopter Rating (preferred)
  • Must have SFAR 73 CFI Endorsement for the R22 (and R44 preferred)

Required Skills/Experience:

  • Meet requirements of §141.35(a)(1) and (2)
  • Track record of safe helicopter operations
  • Management experience
  • Schedule flexibility
  • Well organized
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Possess critical thinking skills

Preferred Skills/Experience:

  • Meet requirements of § 141.35(b)(c) and (d)
  • Chief or Assistant Chief Instructor experience
  • Dual instruction experience in R22, R44

Benefits Offered:

  • Affordable health care benefits
  • Company 401(k) with match
  • PTO (20 days in first 2 years, 25 days after 2 years, 30 days after 5 years)
  • 2-week Sabbatical after 5 years
  • Discounted flight training
  • Employee recognition program

This position will remain open until filled. Please do not contact Hillsboro Aero Academy regarding the status of your application.

Hillsboro Aero Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.