1

Certified Flight Instructor Jobs in Gilbert, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

UAS Operator / Pilot

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$75K - $135K/yr

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. * Minimum 500 hours of UAS Pilot-in-Command experience (AVO ... Previous experience as a UAS instructor, military instructor, or flight instructor. * Experience ...

Flight Nurse

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$97K - $139K/yr

Flight or transport experience and instructor certifications. Compensation & Benefits * Competitive Pay : Hourly rates based on experience, with annual earnings potential ranging from $97,452 to $139 ...

Flight Paramedic

Eloy, AZ · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Instructor certifications preferred. * FP‑C within twenty‑four months of hire. * Flight or transport experience preferred. * Must successfully complete the PHI Air Medical Group education ...

Flight Paramedic

Eloy, AZ · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

Instructor certifications preferred.* FP-C within twenty-four months of hire.* Flight or transport experience preferred.* Must successfully complete the PHI Air Medical Group education/orientation ...

Learjet PIC

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$115K - $206K/yr

... Medical Certificate, and a driver's license. All required documents must be uploaded with the ... Part 135 experience or Flight Instructor experience preferred but not required. * Learjet or ...

... certificates, and pilot qualifications. * Responsible for conducting pre and post flight simulator ... Instructor and subject matter expert ready to lead clients through their training. The ideal ...

New

Instructor certifications preferred. * FP-C within twenty-four months of hire. * Flight or transport experience preferred. * Must successfully complete the PHI Air Medical Group education/orientation ...

Instructor certifications preferred. * FP-C within twenty-four months of hire. * Flight or transport experience preferred. * Must successfully complete the PHI Air Medical Group education/orientation ...

Learjet SIC

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$60K/yr

... Medical Certificate, and a driver's license. All required documents must be uploaded with the ... Part 135 experience or Flight Instructor experience preferred but not required. * Learjet or ...

Prehospital Trauma certification, NRP, FEMA Courses, CFRN, CCRN, TCRN, CEN, CPEN, Instructor ... flight, and at a moderate level when in the hospital environment. Pre-employment and annual ...

Previous Maternal Flight Nurse experience, BSN, certification as BLS, NRP or ACLS Instructor preferred. * Effective human relations skills are required for interfacing with all levels of PHI Health ...

Previous Maternal Flight Nurse experience, BSN, certification as BLS, NRP or ACLS Instructor preferred. * Effective human relations skills are required for interfacing with all levels of PHI Health ...

Showing results 21-40

Certified Flight Instructor information

See Gilbert, AZ salary details

$24.9K

$94.3K

$145K

How much do certified flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for certified flight instructor in Gilbert, AZ is $94,318.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,800.00 and $111,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a certified flight instructor?

A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is a pilot who has earned additional certification to teach others how to fly aircraft. CFIs provide instruction to student pilots, help them prepare for written and practical exams, and ensure they meet the required standards for obtaining pilot licenses. They may also provide advanced training to licensed pilots who want to improve their skills or add new ratings. Becoming a CFI requires holding at least a commercial pilot certificate, passing written knowledge tests, and demonstrating instructional proficiency through practical exams.

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

To thrive as a Certified Flight Instructor, you need strong aeronautical knowledge, advanced piloting skills, and a current FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate. Familiarity with flight training devices, aviation weather systems, and electronic logbook tools is essential. Exceptional communication, patience, and instructional ability help instructors effectively teach and motivate student pilots. These skills ensure safe, effective flight training and support student progress toward pilot certification.

What are some common challenges faced by certified flight instructors during flight training sessions?

Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) often encounter challenges such as adapting their teaching style to different learning speeds and personalities, ensuring student safety while allowing hands-on experience, and managing varied weather conditions that can affect lesson plans. Additionally, CFIs must remain vigilant and patient, providing clear feedback while maintaining regulatory compliance and documentation. Balancing administrative responsibilities, flight scheduling, and continuous professional development are also part of the daily routine for many instructors.

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

AspectCertified Flight InstructorFlight Instructor
CredentialsRequires FAA Certified Flight Instructor certificateMay refer to any instructor without specific certification
Work EnvironmentFlight schools, training aircraft, flight simulatorsFlight training environments, flight schools
Industry UsageOfficial certification for instructing studentsGeneral term for anyone teaching flying

Certified Flight Instructor is a specific credential required to legally instruct student pilots, whereas Flight Instructor is a broader term that may include uncertified or non-credentialed instructors. The Certified Flight Instructor designation ensures standardized training and certification recognized by the FAA, making it essential for professional flight training roles.

Are certified flight instructors in demand?

Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) are generally in steady demand as they play a key role in training new pilots and maintaining safety standards. The demand can fluctuate based on the aviation industry’s growth, pilot certification requirements, and regional needs, but CFIs are essential for flight training programs and often find opportunities in flight schools and aviation academies.

How do you become a certified flight instructor?

To become a certified flight instructor, you must hold a commercial pilot certificate or airline transport pilot certificate, pass a certified flight instructor written exam, and complete a flight instructor training course approved by the FAA. Afterward, you must pass a practical test with an FAA-designated pilot examiner to earn the CFI certification, which allows you to teach student pilots and log instruction hours.

Is there a shortage of certified flight instructors?

There is currently a high demand for certified flight instructors due to a shortage of qualified instructors in the aviation industry. This shortage is driven by increased pilot training needs and retirements, making it a favorable time for those pursuing a career as a flight instructor with appropriate certifications and flight hours.

What are popular job titles related to Certified Flight Instructor jobs in Gilbert, AZ?

For Certified Flight Instructor jobs in Gilbert, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Certified Flight Instructor jobs in Gilbert, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for Certified Flight Instructor jobs in Gilbert, AZ are:

What cities near Gilbert, AZ are hiring for Certified Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities near Gilbert, AZ with the most Certified Flight Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Certified Flight Instructor job openings in Gilbert, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,318 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

UAS Operator / Pilot

SpektreWorks, Inc.

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$75K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 hours ago

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.


Key responsibilities

  • Conduct safe and professional UAS flight operations, including developmental, operational, and customer-facing missions.

  • Support aircraft integration, testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure aircraft readiness and performance.

  • Deliver customer training on aircraft operation, mission planning software, payloads, and ground support equipment.


Job description

SpektreWorks is seeking experienced UAS Pilots to support the testing, demonstration, training, and operational deployment of advanced unmanned aircraft systems. This position is based in Phoenix, Arizona, with frequent domestic and some international travel supporting customer demonstrations, flight testing, military exercises, training events, and operational missions.


Our pilots can serve as both Air Vehicle Operators and External/Safety Pilots, operating fixed-wing, VTOL, and multirotor aircraft in developmental, operational, and customer-facing environments. In addition to flight operations, pilots work closely with engineering teams, support aircraft integration and testing, and deliver customer training on aircraft, mission planning software, payloads, and ground support equipment.


We're looking for professionals who are technically capable, safety-focused, adaptable, and comfortable working independently in fast-paced, high-consequence environments.


Key Responsibilities


Flight Operations

  • Conduct safe and professional UAS flight operations in accordance with company procedures and applicable regulations.
  • Potential to operate as both an Air Vehicle Operator and External/Safety Pilot.
  • Perform developmental flight testing, functional check flights, customer demonstrations, training missions, and operational deployments.
  • Execute autonomous and manually controlled flight operations using multiple UAS platforms.
  • Conduct mission planning, risk assessments, weather analysis, and flight briefings.
  • Configure mission plans, geofences, and aircraft failsafe settings.
  • Complete post-flight inspections, flight logs, mission debriefs, and data analysis.


Aircraft Operations & Maintenance

  • Perform aircraft preflight and post-flight inspections.
  • Conduct basic maintenance, troubleshooting, and field repairs.
  • Support aircraft assembly, modifications, payload integration, and configuration changes.
  • Assist engineering with prototype development and system validation.
  • Maintain aircraft and support equipment in mission-ready condition.


Flight Test & Engineering Support

  • Support developmental flight testing and aircraft performance evaluations.
  • Collect, document, and analyze flight test data.
  • Assist engineers with avionics, payload, autonomy, and software validation.
  • Identify opportunities to improve aircraft reliability and mission performance.
  • Support customer demonstrations and operational evaluations.


Customer Operations, Training & Instruction

  • Conduct classroom and hands-on instruction for UAS operators, external pilots, and maintainers.
  • Deliver customer training on aircraft operation, mission planning software, payloads, and ground support equipment.
  • Develop and update lesson plans, practical exercises, checklists, and training materials.
  • Evaluate student performance and provide coaching to ensure safe and effective system operation.
  • Support customer qualification events, new equipment training, and fielding activities.
  • Represent SpektreWorks professionally during customer interactions and technical demonstrations.


Operational Support

  • Coordinate logistics for personnel, aircraft, batteries, support equipment, and payloads.
  • Prepare flight documentation, NOTAMs, airspace authorizations, and range coordination packages.
  • Maintain accurate operational records and mission documentation.
  • Assist with proposal support, technical documentation, and standard operating procedure development.
  • Perform additional operational and engineering duties as assigned.


Required Qualifications

  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
  • Minimum 500 hours of UAS Pilot-in-Command experience (AVO and/or EP).
  • Experience operating fixed-wing and multirotor UAS.
  • Experience with ArduPilot, Mission Planner, or similar Ground Control Station software.
  • Strong understanding of autonomous mission planning and flight operations.
  • Ability to perform field troubleshooting and basic aircraft maintenance.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Passport.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally on short notice.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced engineering and flight-test environment.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Active Secret or Top Secret Security Clearance.
  • FAA Issued Manned Pilot License.
  • 1,500+ hours of UAS Pilot-in-Command experience.
  • Previous experience as a UAS instructor, military instructor, or flight instructor.
  • Experience developing and delivering technical training for UAS operators and maintainers.
  • Experience instructing customers on mission planning software, ground control stations, payloads, and ground support equipment.
  • Experience supporting Department of Defense UAS programs.
  • Experience operating Group 1, 2 or Group 3 UAS platforms.
  • Experience with VTOL aircraft and ISR payloads.
  • Flight test or developmental test experience.
  • Familiarity with autonomous flight systems and mission planning software.
  • Composite aircraft repair or fabrication experience.
  • Previous overseas deployment experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in Aeronautics, Aerospace Engineering, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Aviation, or a related technical discipline.


Work Environment

  • Work is performed in office, laboratory, production, hangar, and outdoor flight-test environments.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Frequent domestic and international travel.
  • Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings and weekends, to support flight operations and customer requirements.