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Chief Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Eagle Aircraft

Chief Flight Instructor

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Chief Flight Instructor : Leads the charge in ensuring our programs reflect global best practices in flight safety, compliance, and instruction. Oversees flight instruction to reinforce our ...

Eagle Aircraft

Chief Flight Instructor

South Bend, IN · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Chief Flight Instructor : Leads the charge in ensuring our programs reflect global best practices in flight safety, compliance, and instruction. Oversees flight instruction to reinforce our ...

Eagle Aircraft

Chief Flight Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Chief Flight Instructor : Leads the charge in ensuring our programs reflect global best practices in flight safety, compliance, and instruction. Oversees flight instruction to reinforce our ...

Eagle Aircraft

Chief Flight Instructor

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Chief Flight Instructor : Leads the charge in ensuring our programs reflect global best practices in flight safety, compliance, and instruction. Oversees flight instruction to reinforce our ...

Eagle Aircraft

Chief Flight Instructor

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Chief Flight Instructor : Leads the charge in ensuring our programs reflect global best practices in flight safety, compliance, and instruction. Oversees flight instruction to reinforce our ...

Eagle Aircraft

Chief Flight Instructor

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Chief Flight Instructor : Leads the charge in ensuring our programs reflect global best practices in flight safety, compliance, and instruction. Oversees flight instruction to reinforce our ...

Eagle Aircraft

Chief Flight Instructor

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Chief Flight Instructor : Leads the charge in ensuring our programs reflect global best practices in flight safety, compliance, and instruction. Oversees flight instruction to reinforce our ...

Eagle Aircraft

Chief Flight Instructor

South Bend, IN · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Chief Flight Instructor : Leads the charge in ensuring our programs reflect global best practices in flight safety, compliance, and instruction. Oversees flight instruction to reinforce our ...

Eagle Aircraft

Chief Flight Instructor

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Chief Flight Instructor : Leads the charge in ensuring our programs reflect global best practices in flight safety, compliance, and instruction. Oversees flight instruction to reinforce our ...

Eagle Aircraft

Chief Flight Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Chief Flight Instructor : Leads the charge in ensuring our programs reflect global best practices in flight safety, compliance, and instruction. Oversees flight instruction to reinforce our ...

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All JobsChief Instructor Jobs

Chief Instructor information

See salary details

$33K

$124.4K

$200.5K

How much do chief instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief instructor in the United States is $124,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,000.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chief instructor?

Chief Instructors are senior professionals responsible for overseeing the training and instruction within an organization, such as a flight school, martial arts academy, or educational institution. They develop curricula, mentor other instructors, and ensure that teaching standards and safety protocols are maintained. Chief Instructors often play a key leadership role, setting policies, evaluating performance, and sometimes teaching advanced courses themselves. Their expertise and guidance are crucial in maintaining high-quality instruction and student success.

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

To thrive as a Chief Instructor, you need deep subject matter expertise, strong teaching abilities, and relevant certifications or degrees in your field. Familiarity with curriculum development tools, learning management systems (LMS), and assessment software is typically required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and mentoring skills help you motivate instructors and guide students effectively. These skills are vital for maintaining high educational standards, fostering team cohesion, and ensuring successful learning outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by chief instructors, and how can they effectively address them?

Chief Instructors often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative duties with hands-on teaching, ensuring consistent training standards across instructors, and adapting to diverse learning styles among students. To address these, Chief Instructors can implement regular team meetings, provide ongoing professional development for their staff, and establish clear communication channels. Additionally, staying updated on industry best practices and fostering a collaborative work environment helps maintain high-quality instruction and supports team cohesion.

What is the difference between Chief Instructor vs Lead Instructor?

AspectChief InstructorLead Instructor
CredentialsCertifications in teaching, safety, and subject expertiseSimilar certifications, often with additional leadership training
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple classes or programs, administrative dutiesConducts classes directly, mentors other instructors
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, training centers, sports academiesFitness centers, martial arts schools, outdoor adventure programs

The main difference is that the Chief Instructor typically holds a higher leadership and administrative role, overseeing programs and other instructors, while the Lead Instructor primarily focuses on direct teaching and mentoring. Both roles require similar certifications, but the Chief Instructor has broader responsibilities.

More about Chief Instructor jobs
What states have the most Chief Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Chief Instructor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Chief Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Instructor jobs are:
Chief Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,409 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Chief Flight Instructor

Eagle Aircraft

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Chief Flight Instructor: Leads the charge in ensuring our programs reflect global best practices in flight safety, compliance, and instruction. Oversees flight instruction to reinforce our reputation as a leader in aviation education.

Principal Accountabilities

  • Ensures the flight school maintains training techniques, procedures, and standards acceptable to the FAA Administrator.  Builds and maintains a culture of excellence that maintains the organization’s reputation as a top tier aviation school.
  • Conducts initial and recurring proficiency checks for all assigned flight instructors.  Ensures every student and instructor operates within established safety protocols.
  • Supervises all flight training and evaluation activities.  Coordinates instructor and student schedules to maximize educational and training outcomes.  Mentors instructors to ensure consistency, compliance and safety.
  • Serves as the primary point of contact with the local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) regarding operations, instruction, and safety matters.
  • Develops, reviews, and assists with the preparation of FAA Training Course Outlines (TCOs) and curriculum updates.  Develops and adapts training curricula to meet FAA and global standards.
  • Maintains student and instructor training records in accordance with FAA and school requirements.
  • Is available at the school or reachable by electronic means when training for an approved course is being conducted. 

Flight Time Requirements

The minimum flight experience requirements for a Chief Flight Instructor are outlined in 14 CFR § 141.35 and depend on the specific course(s) they are designated to oversee: 

Specific flight hour requirements depend on the course, such as those for recreational/private pilot certificates, instrument ratings, or other courses like commercial pilot or ATP. For detailed requirements, refer to 14 CFR 141.35 in the eCFR. Special considerations for gliders, balloons, or airships have reduced hour requirements (40%), and ground school chief instructors need one year of experience at a certificated pilot school. 

 

Qualifications

To be eligible for designation as a chief instructor for a course of training, a person must meet the requirements as outlined in § 141.35.  Here below is a brief summary.  Candidates must familiarize themselves with the FAA’s detailed requirements found at 14 CFR 141.35 in the eCFR

Minimum Chief Instructor Requirements – Instrument & Multi-Engine Training

The Chief Instructor assigned to Instrument Rating and Multi-Engine courses shall:

  • Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate.
  • Hold a current FAA Flight Instructor Certificate (CFI).
  • Hold the appropriate category and class ratings for the aircraft used in training, including Airplane Multi-Engine Land (AMEL).
  • Hold a current Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) certificate.
  • Meet the recent flight experience requirements of 14 CFR §61.57.
  • Successfully complete the FAA Chief Instructor knowledge and proficiency tests as required by 14 CFR Part 141.

Minimum Experience

  • At least 2,000 hours Pilot-in-Command (PIC).
  • At least 100 hours of actual or simulated instrument flight time.
  • Flight instructor experience consisting of either:
    • 3 years and 1,000 hours of flight instruction; or
    • 1,500 hours of flight instruction.
  • Instrument flight instructor experience consisting of either:
    • 2 years and 250 hours of instrument instruction; or
    • 400 hours of instrument instruction.

The Chief Instructor shall maintain all FAA certificates, ratings, qualifications, and currency necessary to conduct and supervise training in accordance with 14 CFR Parts 61, 91, and 141.

At iFly USA, we are redefining aviation education. Join us in creating the future of aviation!

Company Description

Our mission is to provide a seamless integration of safety, legality, and efficiency, bridging international aviation standards and creating unparalleled opportunities for our students.