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Certified Flight Instructor Jobs in Portland, OR

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Certified Flight Instructor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$26.5K

$100.4K

$154.4K

How much do certified flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for certified flight instructor in Portland, OR is $100,376.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,200.00 and $118,800.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Certified Flight Instructor jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Certified Flight Instructor jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Certified Flight Instructor jobs in Portland, OR?

For Certified Flight Instructor jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Certified Flight Instructor jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Certified Flight Instructor jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Certified Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Certified Flight Instructor job openings:

Certified Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified Flight Instructor job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,376 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Helicopter Flight Instructor

Hillsboro Aero Academy

Troutdale, OR • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

*** PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOU SUBMITTED YOUR APPLICATION SUCCESSFULLY ON OUR CAREER WEBSITE, YOU WILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION E-MAIL IN A MATTER OF MINUTES. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE ONE, PLEASE SEND YOUR RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO HR@flyhaa.com***

General Position Summary:

Provide flight, simulator and ground instruction with Hillsboro Aero Academy. This position includes involvement in the HAA Safety Management System including risk analysis and mitigation. Flight instructors are expected to maintain adequate records, meeting course standards, fulfilling training requirements and objectives and ensuring satisfactory student progress.

Essential/Major Responsibilities:

• Perform flight instructor duties authorized by the Federal Aviation Regulation and in accordance with the approved training course outlines

• Ensure compliance with and promotion of the HAA Safety Management System and company SOPs

• Maintain satisfactory student progress through the course(s), ensure course standards and training requirements are met and communicate delays to supervisor

• Accurately maintain all appropriate records associated with student training

• Attend weekly meetings

• Determine aircraft airworthiness

• Attend administrative, standardization, in-service training and instructor development meetings, as assigned

• Maintain and apply effective teaching and evaluation techniques

• Reconcile billable hours reports to complete bi-weekly payroll

• Communicate with potential students about flight training

• Other duties as assigned ie assistance fueling aircraft, driving company vehicles, etc.

Specific Job Skills:

• Aircraft piloting skills, including familiarity with and ability to perform required flight maneuvers and procedures using FAA Practical Test Standards

• Knowledge of and ability to apply effective instructional techniques in the classroom and in flight

• Knowledge of appropriate Federal Aviation Regulations

• Ability to work well with others, in a fast-paced environment and provide superior customer service

• Demonstrate and exercise sound judgment

• Strong communication and teaching skills

Supervisory Responsibility:

Supervise students and student progress.

Interpersonal Contact:

Flight instructors must demonstrate exceptional customer service to current and potential students. Instructors will work closely with other flight instructors, maintenance technicians, safety personnel, dispatch personnel, line service, etc.

Education and/or Experience:

• FAA Certified Flight Instructor rating, Flight Instructor-Instrument required

• Must hold or be able to obtain a second class medical certificate

• Successful completion of FAA Part 141 Proficiency Check

• Completion of Special Federal Aviation Regulation 73 (b)(5) training with endorsement

• Have completed the Robinson Helicopter Safety Course or demonstrate ability to have course completed prior to employment

• Aircraft piloting skills, including familiarity with and ability to perform required flight maneuvers and procedures using FAA Practical Test Standards

• Knowledge of and ability to apply effective instructional techniques in the classroom and in flight

• Knowledge of appropriate Federal Aviation Regulations

• Ability to work well with others, in a fast-paced environment and provide superior customer service

• Demonstrate and exercise sound judgment


This position will remain open until filled. Please do not contact Hillsboro Aero Academy regarding the status of your application.

Hillsboro Aero Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

*** PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOU SUBMITTED YOUR APPLICATION SUCCESSFULLY ON OUR CAREER WEBSITE, YOU WILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION E-MAIL IN A MATTER OF MINUTES. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE ONE, PLEASE SEND YOUR RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO HR@flyhaa.com***