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Aviation Flight Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Spartan Education

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

West Chicago, IL

$20 - $28/hr

Flight Instructors develop pilots by emphasizing safety and risk mitigation during flight ... Lecture on various subjects such as aircraft construction, federal aviation regulations, and ratio ...

Eagle Aircraft

Chief Flight Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Oversees flight instruction to reinforce our reputation as a leader in aviation education ... Coordinates instructor and student schedules to maximize educational and training outcomes. Mentors ...

Eagle Aircraft

Chief Flight Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Oversees flight instruction to reinforce our reputation as a leader in aviation education ... Coordinates instructor and student schedules to maximize educational and training outcomes. Mentors ...

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All JobsAviation Flight Instructor JobsAviation Flight Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Aviation Flight Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25.8K

$97.5K

$149.9K

How much do aviation flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for aviation flight instructor in Chicago, IL is $97,472.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $115,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Aviation Flight Instructors, and how can they be managed?

Aviation Flight Instructors often encounter challenges such as adapting to students' varying learning paces, maintaining strict safety standards during flight training, and staying updated on evolving aviation regulations. Managing these challenges involves strong communication skills, patience, and ongoing professional development. Instructors also collaborate closely with other instructors and flight school staff to share best practices and ensure a consistent learning environment for students.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aviation Flight Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aviation Flight Instructor, you need expert piloting skills, a deep understanding of aeronautical concepts, and a valid Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) license. Familiarity with flight simulation software, aircraft systems, and FAA regulations is crucial for effective training delivery. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to adapt teaching styles to different learners are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure safe, effective instruction and help aspiring pilots build the confidence and proficiency needed for real-world flying.

What are Aviation Flight Instructors?

Aviation Flight Instructors are certified professionals who teach students how to fly aircraft. They provide both ground instruction, covering topics like flight theory and regulations, and in-flight training, guiding students through practical maneuvers and safety procedures. Flight instructors help aspiring pilots develop the skills and knowledge needed to obtain various pilot licenses and endorsements. Their role is crucial in ensuring new pilots are competent, confident, and operate safely in the airspace.

What is the difference between Aviation Flight Instructor vs Flight School Instructor?

AspectAviation Flight InstructorFlight School Instructor
Required CertificationsCertified Flight Instructor (CFI)Typically holds a CFI certification
Work EnvironmentFlight training environments, flight schools, airportsFlight training settings, flight schools, aviation academies
Employer & Industry UsagePart of aviation training industry, FAA regulatedEducational institutions, flight training organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Aviation Flight Instructor and a Flight School Instructor is that the former is specifically certified to teach flight training and often works within regulated aviation environments, while the latter may refer broadly to instructors working in flight schools or aviation academies. Both roles require similar certifications and focus on pilot training, but the term 'Aviation Flight Instructor' emphasizes the professional certification and regulatory aspect.

What are popular job titles related to Aviation Flight Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL? For Aviation Flight Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aviation Flight Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Aviation Flight Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Aviation Flight Instructor jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Aviation Flight Instructor job openings:
Aviation Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aviation Flight Instructor job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,472 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

SPARTAN COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS AND TECHNOLOGY

West Chicago, IL • On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Summary
Flight Instructors are certified flight instructors and as such, will maintain high standards of training, air discipline and personal conduct as they train student pilots in various courses offered at the IAA Flight Campus. Flight Instructors develop pilots by emphasizing safety and risk mitigation during flight operations as their students matriculate through the Professional Pilot Course. In addition, Flight Instructors are managers of student training portfolios with essential duties and responsibilities listed below.
Essential Functions
  • CFI scheduling and coordinating with students toward their training progress, with results at no less than minimum appropriate rates for each student
  • Responsible for the management and scheduling of their assigned students; perform flight and ground instruction as assigned by supervisory personnel
  • Maintain training records, and complete required documentation relating to student training, progress, and school operation at the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) level
  • Maintain a consistent quality of instruction at not less than the level mandated by the school, or by the Federal Aviation Regulations, whichever is to the higher standard
  • Attend mandatory standardization training and perform Solo Monitor duties when required
  • Provide administrative documentation pertinent to student training within prescribed time limits
  • Develop and prepare course outlines, study materials, and instructional procedures for student enrolled in basic, advanced, or instrument ground school
  • Lecture on various subjects such as aircraft construction, federal aviation regulations, and ratio navigation
  • Using synthetic instrument trainers, demonstrate operation of various aircraft components and instruments, and techniques for controlling aircraft during maneuvers such as taxiing, takeoff, and landing
  • Observe student's actions during training flights to ensure assimilation of classroom instruction and to comply with Federal Aviation Regulations
  • Tests and evaluates students' progress, using written and performance tests and oral interviews
  • Accomplish weekly scheduling functions and submit a daily report for Student Progress
  • Prepare students for flight evaluations by providing high quality training and effective feedback
  • Instructor abilities will be evaluated primarily by the Stage Check pass rates of students
  • Flight Instructors will be required to accomplish student scheduling and progress reporting. The expectation is that the scheduling process should take no longer than one hour to accomplish, and student progress reporting should take no longer than 10 minutes each day to accomplish
  • Flight Instructors can provide flight instruction for an FAA-mandated maximum of 8 hours per day and are encouraged to use the scheduling system to their advantage to accomplish this flight time
  • As part of the Flight Instructor professional development in flight operations, Flight Instructors will be assigned duties in Dispatch and Line Crew Line Operations.
  • Please note, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibilities
This job has no supervisory responsibilities. However, Flight Instructors are assigned up to 10 students, and at a minimum will accomplish 3 lessons each week for each of their assigned students
Education and Work Experience
  • High School diploma or GED required
  • Active pursuit of undergraduate degree highly sought

Knowledge and Skills
  • CFI Required
  • CFII preferred
  • MEI preferred
  • FAA Class II Medical preferred
  • FAA Class III Medical required

Travel
Overnight flight or night flights may be required.
Physical Demands
This position requires a person to stand or sit for a prolonged period, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds, along with monitor engine operations of functioning, and communicate and coordinate vehicle or aircraft movement. This position also requires a person to maneuver an aircraft for extended periods of time in all various types of weather conditions. The long days can be physically demanding.
AAP/EEO Statement
Spartan provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Further, the company takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and employees are treated during employment without regard to any of these characteristics. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.
In keeping with the above conviction, Spartan is committed to assuring that:
All recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and other employment related programs are provided fairly to all persons on an equal opportunity basis without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law;
Employment decisions are based on the principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action; and all personnel actions such as compensation, benefits, transfers, training, and participation in social and recreational programs are administered without regard to race, creed, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement/Employee Scholarship

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