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Aviation Instructor Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

LUH-72A Lakota Instructor Pilot

Marana, AZ · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

... Instructor Pilot to support the Army National Guard (ANG) Aviation Training Services and ... As the prime contractor for ATSOS, Leidos delivers a full spectrum of aviation training ...

Leidos

LUH-72A Lakota Instructor Pilot

Marana, AZ · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

As the prime contractor for ATSOS, Leidos delivers a full spectrum of aviation training ... Instructor Pilots also perform Instructor Operator duties and deliver platform academic instruction ...

Leidos

UH-60 Blackhawk Instructor Pilot

Marana, AZ

... Instructor Pilot supporting the Army National Guard (ARNG) Aviation Training Services and ... This role offers a unique opportunity to apply your aviation expertise in direct support of the ...

Leidos

UH-60 Blackhawk Instructor Pilot

Marana, AZ · On-site

... Instructor Pilot supporting the Army National Guard (ARNG) Aviation Training Services and ... This role offers a unique opportunity to apply your aviation expertise in direct support of the ...

CTI

H-60 Instructor SME/CRM

Tucson, AZ · On-site

Bachelor of Science / Arts degree in aviation or related field or equivalent academic experience ... Instructor experience and 1000 hours in the HH-60 aircraft. H-60 Pilot experience preferred.

All JobsAviation Instructor JobsAviation Instructor Jobs in Tucson, AZ

Aviation Instructor information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$13

$30

$53

How much do aviation instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for aviation instructor in Tucson, AZ is $30.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.61 and $32.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an aviation instructor do?

An aviation instructor is responsible for teaching students how to operate aircraft safely and effectively. They provide both ground and flight instruction, covering topics such as aerodynamics, navigation, weather, and federal aviation regulations. Aviation instructors assess students’ progress, ensure they understand theoretical concepts, and supervise actual flight training. They play a crucial role in preparing students for pilot certification exams and ensuring high standards of safety and professionalism in aviation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aviation instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aviation Instructor, you need deep aeronautical knowledge, flight training experience, and relevant certifications such as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) license. Familiarity with flight simulators, aviation safety systems, and training management software is crucial. Excellent communication, patience, and the ability to motivate students are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure effective knowledge transfer, safe flight operations, and successful student outcomes in a highly regulated environment.

What are some common challenges faced by aviation instructors, and how can they be managed effectively?

Aviation Instructors often face challenges such as adapting teaching methods to different learning styles, ensuring student safety during practical training, and staying current with evolving aviation regulations and technology. To manage these challenges effectively, instructors frequently participate in ongoing professional development, utilize a variety of instructional techniques, and maintain clear communication with both students and regulatory bodies. Building strong rapport with students and fostering a safety-first culture also help create a supportive and effective learning environment.

What is the difference between Aviation Instructor vs Flight Instructor?

AspectAviation InstructorFlight Instructor
CertificationsCertified Flight Instructor (CFI), sometimes additional ratingsCFI, often with instrument or multi-engine ratings
Work EnvironmentFlight schools, aviation academies, corporate trainingFlight training schools, flight academies, private instruction
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in flight training and aviation educationPrimarily in flight training, often for student pilots

Both Aviation Instructors and Flight Instructors hold similar certifications and work in flight training environments. However, an Aviation Instructor may also teach ground school or broader aviation topics, while a Flight Instructor focuses specifically on hands-on pilot training. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Aviation Instructor' can encompass a wider range of teaching roles within the aviation industry.

Are aviation instructors in high demand?

Aviation instructors are in steady demand due to ongoing pilot training needs and a growing aviation industry. They typically require certifications such as Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and have opportunities in flight schools, airlines, and military training programs. The demand can vary based on regional pilot shortages and industry growth trends.

How do you become an aviation instructor?

To become an aviation instructor, you must first obtain a private pilot license and then a commercial pilot license, gaining sufficient flying experience. Next, you need to earn an Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate from the relevant aviation authority, which involves passing written and practical exams, and then accumulate teaching hours to qualify for advanced instructor roles.

How much money do aviation instructors get paid?

Aviation instructors typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of flying school. Many instructors also receive additional pay for flight hours and certifications, with some working part-time or on a freelance basis.

What cities near Tucson, AZ are hiring for Aviation Instructor jobs?

Cities near Tucson, AZ with the most Aviation Instructor job openings:

Aviation Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aviation Instructor job openings in Tucson, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,653 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

LUH-72A Lakota Instructor Pilot

Leidos

Marana, AZ • On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 496 rated business services

Job description

The Airborne Solutions (AirS) Division within the Airborne Mission Solutions Business Area of Leidos is seeking a LUH-72A Lakota Instructor Pilot to support the Army National Guard (ANG) Aviation Training Services and Operational Support (ATSOS) program in Marana, Arizona. This role places you at the center of a mission that directly strengthens Army National Guard aviation readiness through advanced flight training, simulation instruction, and schoolhouse support across the One Army School System (OASS).
As the prime contractor for ATSOS, Leidos delivers a full spectrum of aviation training capabilities-including platform instruction, simulation operations, classroom academics, and Aviation Life Support Equipment (ALSE) support. This position offers a unique opportunity to apply your expertise in a high-impact environment where your instruction shapes the next generation of Army aviators.
You will provide in-flight instruction on LUH-72A aircraft, lead instructor qualification courses, support readiness level progressions, and contribute to both regional and foreign military training. Instructor Pilots also perform Instructor Operator duties and deliver platform academic instruction in alignment with AR 95-1, TRADOC Programs of Instruction (POI), UH-60 dATM, and AATS SOPs. All activities must meet the standards outlined in DCMA INST 8210-1D.
This is an exciting opportunity to bring your aviation experience to a mission that truly matters.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Maintain training records for formal course students and ATP documentation for readiness level (RL) progression trainees.
  • Deliver instruction and evaluation to student pilots in accordance with AATS-approved Training Support Packages.
  • Conduct daily academic instruction for approved POIs, including Aircraft Qualification, Instructor Pilot, Aircraft Standardization, Maintenance Test Pilot, and Aviation Tactics Instructor Courses (ATIC).
  • Lead pre-mission planning and after-action reviews for all flight and simulation events.
  • Fulfill all ATP requirements per DCMA INST 8210-1D, AR 95-1, and applicable dATMs, including participation in the No-Notice Evaluation Program.
  • Coordinate daily tasks such as schedules and leave to support AATS training requirements and schoolhouse accreditation.
  • Ensure compliance with Army, National Guard, and AATS policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Collaborate with the GFR to verify contractor qualifications for aviation-training tasks per DCMA INST 8210-1D.
  • Report Instructor Flight and Operations data for the Task Order Monthly Report.

Basic Qualifications
  • High School Diploma with 8 years' experience or Bachelor's Degree with 4 years' experience.
  • Instructor Pilot experience with at least 250 military IP flight hours and/or 2 years of IP experience at a USAACE-approved or OASS-accredited program.
  • USAACE/AATS (or equivalent) IP qualification in the aircraft type assigned.
  • Instructor Training Course (ITC) or ABIC qualification, or ability to complete AATS-provided ABIC within 12 months of hire.
  • FAA Commercial Pilot or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
  • FAA Second Class Medical or Army Class 2 FDME (per DCMA 8210.1D).
  • Experience as SP, IE, and/or IP in an OASS school, MTOE, or TDA organization at company or battalion level.
  • Meet instructor qualification requirements per TR 350-10 and TR 350-70.
  • Adhere to DCMA INST 8210.1D for all Rated and Non-Rated Crewmember operations.
  • Complete ACT-E qualification and sustainment training per TC 3-04.11.
  • Hold a favorable background investigation or security clearance appropriate to the information accessed.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Instructor Pilot experience at EAATS, HAATS, WAATS, or the U.S. Army Aviation Training Center.
  • USAACE-qualified Instrument Flight Examiner (IFE) preferred.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
May 11, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

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At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

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Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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