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Aviation Flight Instructor Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

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Aviation Flight Instructor information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$25.2K

$95.5K

$146.8K

How much do aviation flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for aviation flight instructor in Philadelphia, PA is $95,479.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,600.00 and $113,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aviation flight instructor?

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

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 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 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 Philadelphia, PA?

For Aviation Flight Instructor jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Philadelphia, PA are hiring for Aviation Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities near Philadelphia, PA with the most Aviation Flight Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Aviation Flight Instructor job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,479 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


FlightSafety International rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 223 rated education and training


Job description

About FlightSafety International

FlightSafety International is the world's premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award-winning maintenance training at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.

Purpose of Position

The Flight Instructor delivers exceptional ground and simulator flight instruction in accordance with aviation regulations and FlightSafety Training principles.

Tasks and Responsibilities
  • Conduct pilot ground and simulator training for clients receiving core, specialty or enrichment training courses.
  • Develop and prepare training materials that support training delivery to meet the client needs in accordance with the applicable curriculum.
  • Evaluate and measure trainee progress and recommend for qualification, or additional training.
  • Complete accurate training records specific to each client, aiding their success in achieving the requested objective(s).
  • Identify client training issues and seek assistance prior to execution.
  • Maintain Instructor qualifications in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Minimum Experience
  • Must be able and willing to participate in FlightSafety's DOT Drug and Alcohol testing program
  • An unrestricted ATP certificate, or an ICAO member state Airline Transport Pilot License
  • If no ATP, must meet the requirements of:
  • 14 CFR part 61.153
  • 14 CFR part 61.64 without a Supervised Operating Experience (SOE) limitation. 
  • A minimum of one unrestricted PIC type rating;
  • Preferred: FAR Part 135, FAR Part 121, or military training experience;
  • Preferred: 2,500 hours of total flight time
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
  • Knowledge of aviation safety standards and practices
  • Knowledge of common aviation regulations
  • Ability to manage classes and teach effectively
  • First-level facilitation skills
  • First-level customer service skills
  • Ability to be coachable and receive feedback to support development
Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee may be required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.

Must possess physical range of body motion to perform the following: Reach, exert pressure and manipulate the rudder controls and/or anti-torque with both feet. Reach and manipulate numerous controls within the Simulator device from the Instructor's chair. Enter and exit from the Simulator device via the provided ramp. Move between the Instructor station, screen and podium while instructing in the classroom. Exit from malfunctioned Simulator while the device is in a severely pitched attitude. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts. The employee may work in high, precarious places and in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, risk of radiation, and vibration.

FlightSafety is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of required compliance reviews, including verification that the candidate is not prohibited from employment under U.S. economic sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

This position may require access to export-controlled technology or services subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Employment consideration and any offer of employment are contingent upon the applicant's ability to comply with these requirements, including qualifying as a "U.S. Person" under applicable regulations or otherwise eligible for export authorization within a timeframe consistent with business needs. A "U.S. Person" includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (holders of approved and unexpired green cards), and certain refugees or asylees with protected status under U.S. law.

This position may also require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance for the duration of employment.

Cybersecurity Notice: All official recruiting communication from FlightSafety International will come from an @flightsafety.com email address.  FlightSafety International will never ask for personal or financial information through social media or third-party email providers.


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