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Certified Flight Instructor Jobs in Riverside, CA

FlightSafety International

PILOT INSTRUCTOR

CA · On-site

Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience and CATS MECOC certification desired. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities * Ability to fluently read, write, speak, and understand English. * Ability ...

6K Systems, Inc.

ROTC Instructor

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$58K - $77K/yr

... flight operations, tactics, techniques, and procedures. - Provide instruction in accordance with ... Contract personnel shall maintain certification IAW HCI 36-2601. - AFROTC instructors shall be CPR ...

CCGI, Inc.

ROTC Instructor

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$58K - $77K/yr

... flight operations, tactics, techniques, and procedures. - Provide instruction in accordance with ... Contract personnel shall maintain certification IAW HCI 36-2601. - AFROTC instructors shall be CPR ...

O Gara Training & Services LLC

Instructor

Irvine, CA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Instructors will be positioned in San Diego, CA for Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training and Evaluation Unit (EODTEU) ONE located aboard Naval Base Annex Point Loma, Point Loma, CA. Travel: There is ...

AC Recruiting

Be Seen First

Aircraft Mechanic

Riverside, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

... flight training, time building, and advanced pilot development. Our fleet consists primarily of ... FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate * Experience maintaining piston aircraft with Rotax ...

New

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Nuevo, CA

... certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the Sailor's status, training, and current Navy policy. Pay, Benefits & Service Pay ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Chino, CA

... certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the Sailor's status, training, and current Navy policy. Pay, Benefits & Service Pay ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Silverado, CA

... certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the Sailor's status, training, and current Navy policy. Pay, Benefits & Service Pay ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Homeland, CA

... certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the Sailor's status, training, and current Navy policy. Pay, Benefits & Service Pay ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Lakeview, CA

... certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the Sailor's status, training, and current Navy policy. Pay, Benefits & Service Pay ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Crestline, CA

... certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the Sailor's status, training, and current Navy policy. Pay, Benefits & Service Pay ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Glendora, CA

... certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the Sailor's status, training, and current Navy policy. Pay, Benefits & Service Pay ...

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All JobsCertified Flight Instructor JobsCertified Flight Instructor Jobs in Riverside, CA

Certified Flight Instructor information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$26.1K

$98.7K

$151.8K

How much do certified flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for certified flight instructor in Riverside, CA is $98,714.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,000.00 and $116,800.00 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 popular job titles related to Certified Flight Instructor jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Certified Flight Instructor jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Certified Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Certified Flight Instructor job openings:

Certified Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified Flight Instructor job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,714 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Aviation Science - Aviation Flight and/or Aviation Management

California Baptist University

Riverside, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

California Baptist University rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

500th of 621 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Aviation Science - Aviation Flight and/or Aviation Management
Position Summary
The Department of Aviation Science at California Baptist University invites applicants from those who wish to join a pool of adjunct instructors capable of teaching courses in Aviation Flight and/or Aviation Management.
Pay Range
Qualifications
Those desiring to teach courses in Aviation Flight must possess FAA Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) and Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) certificates, or Certified Flight Instructor. Qualified applicants for either major must have a master's degree in Aviation/Aeronautics or related field and some degree of aviation industry experience. Successful candidates should have a desire to work in an entrepreneurial setting within a growing aviation program. It is expected that all faculty members are professing Christians who are actively involved in a church.
Teaching Responsibilities
Teaching responsibilities in the undergraduate program of Aviation. Specific course assignments will be dependent upon qualifications and availability.
Nondiscrimination Statement
State and Federal law permit California Baptist University to discriminate on the basis of religion in order to fulfill its purpose. The University does not discriminate contrary to either State or Federal law.
Quick Link to Posting
https://jobs.calbaptist.edu/postings/10316

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