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Certificated Flight Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FAA Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) certification, with Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) credentials preferred. * Proven leadership experience in a flight training environment. * Minimum ...

Flight Instructor

Austin, TX · On-site

$46 - $55/hr

FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) & CFII * 1,000 hours total time and 500 hours dual given * Valid FAA medical certificate (3rd class or better) * 50 hours PIC in Cirrus aircraft strongly ...

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Certificated Flight Instructor information

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$25K

$94.6K

$145.5K

How much do certificated flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for certificated flight instructor in the United States is $94,620.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a certificated flight instructor?

A Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) is a pilot who has been trained and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide flight instruction to student pilots and other aviators. CFIs are responsible for teaching students how to fly, preparing them for various pilot certifications, and ensuring they understand aviation regulations and procedures. In addition to flying skills, CFIs also provide ground instruction on topics such as aerodynamics, weather, navigation, and safety. Becoming a CFI requires holding at least a commercial pilot certificate and passing additional FAA knowledge and practical tests.

What are some common challenges certificated flight instructors face when training new pilots, and how can they effectively address them?

Certificated Flight Instructors often encounter challenges such as varying skill levels among students, managing safety in flight, and adapting teaching methods to individual learning styles. Building strong communication and regularly debriefing after lessons can help address misunderstandings and reinforce key concepts. Instructors also benefit from staying current with both regulatory changes and advances in aviation technology, which enables them to provide the most relevant instruction and maintain a safe learning environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a certificated flight instructor?

To thrive as a Certificated Flight Instructor, you need a strong understanding of aerodynamics, flight regulations, and instructional techniques, typically backed by a commercial pilot license and a flight instructor certificate (CFI). Familiarity with flight simulators, aviation weather tools, and logbook management systems is important. Exceptional communication, patience, and situational awareness set outstanding instructors apart. These abilities ensure students learn safely and effectively, maintaining high training standards and aviation safety.

What is the difference between Certificated Flight Instructor vs Certified Flight Instructor?

CriteriaCertificated Flight InstructorCertified Flight Instructor
CredentialsFAA Flight Instructor CertificateFAA Flight Instructor Certificate
Work EnvironmentFlight schools, flight training centersFlight schools, flight training centers
Industry UsageCommon term in the industryOfficial certification title
Search IntentComparison with other instructor rolesOfficial certification details

Both terms refer to individuals holding an FAA Flight Instructor Certificate, enabling them to teach flying. 'Certificated Flight Instructor' is a general term, while 'Certified Flight Instructor' is the official certification title. They are often used interchangeably, but understanding the precise terminology helps clarify qualifications and roles within flight training environments.

More about Certificated Flight Instructor jobs

What cities are hiring for Certificated Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities with the most Certificated Flight Instructor job openings:

What states have the most Certificated Flight Instructor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Certificated Flight Instructor jobs include:

ASSISTANT CHIEF FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

SPARTAN COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS AND TECHNOLOGY

Broomfield, CO • On-site

$75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Summary
The Assistant Chief Flight Instructor is responsible to provide safe, effective, and efficient FAA Part 141 flight instruction operations for the Flight School that is in accordance with all local, state, and federal guidelines.
Essential Functions
  • Directs daily operations to ensure compliance with FAA regulations
  • Makes hiring recommendations, trains staff, and evaluates performance
  • Develops Training Course Outlines, Training Manuals and Procedures
  • Monitors pilot proficiency and currency
  • Monitor FAA 141 required 80% pass rate
  • Certifying each student's training record, graduation certificate, stage check and end-of-course test reports, and recommendation for course completion, unless the duties are delegated by the chief instructor to an assistant chief instructor or recommending instructor
  • Ensuring that each certificated flight instructor, certificated ground instructor, passes an initial proficiency check prior to that instructor being assigned instructing duties in the school's approved training course, and thereafter that the instructor passes a recurrent proficiency check every twelve calendar months after the month in which the initial test was accomplished
  • Ensuring that each student accomplishes the required stage checks and end-of-course tests in accordance with the school's approved training course
  • Maintaining training techniques, procedures, and standards for the school that are acceptable to the Administrator
  • Ensures FAA Part 141 Instructor records are accurate and up to date
  • Audits flight training records regularly
  • Follow objectives of course syllabus
  • Promote a positive learning environment
  • Motivate and encourage students to attend class regularly and apply themselves to their course of study
  • Maintain clear and consistent communication using a variety of teaching methods.
  • Maintain records on each student to include grading and attendance
  • Ensure that all students are held accountable for flight campus rules and regulations
  • Recommend improvements in course design, materials, equipment, and facilities that may enhance student's learning experiences and preparation for employment
  • Develop and implement an annual professional development plan to enhance career growth

Knowledge / Skills
  • Ability to work rotating shifts including weekends, holidays, and days-off
  • Demonstrates good judgment and confidentiality
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with a strong emphasis on customer service
  • Excellent time management, follow-through, and organizational skills
  • Effective communication and ability to build relationships with all levels of management and pilots
  • Strategic and forward-thinker
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities with a high degree of accuracy
  • Intermediate to advanced computer skills in Word, Excel, and Outlook
  • Strong knowledge of flight software

Education and Work Experience
  • High School diploma or GED required
  • Active pursuit of undergraduate degree highly sought
  • Hold a commercial pilot or an airline transport pilot certificate and, a current flight instructor certificate. The certificates must contain the appropriate aircraft category, class, and instrument ratings if an instrument rating is required by the course of training for the category and class of aircraft used in the course.
    • At least 500 hours as pilot in command; or 1000 hours as pilot in command preferred
    • 50 hours of flight time under actual or simulated instrument conditions and;
    • Flight training experience, acquired as either a certified flight instructor or an instructor in a military pilot flight training program, or a combination thereof, consisting of at least
      • 1 years and a total of 250 flight hours; or

500 flight hours.
To be eligible for designation as an assistant chief instructor for a ground school course, a person must have six (6) months of experience as a ground school instructor at a certificated pilot school.
Certificates, License, Registrations
  • CFI required
  • CFII required
  • MEI required
  • FAA Class II Medical preferred
  • FAA Class III Medical required

Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Assigned Flight Instructors

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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 College 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 College 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
401(k) and Employer Match
Medical insurance
HSA/FSA
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Employee Assistance Program
Tuition Reimbursement/Employee Scholarship
Sick Paid time off