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Chief Instructor Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

In coordination with the CAE IFT-R Chief Pilot, Director of Quality Assurance, Standardization, and the USAF, CAE Instructor Pilots will be part of a full standardization and training program for the ...

In coordination with the CAE IFT-R Chief Pilot, Director of Quality Assurance, Standardization, and the USAF, CAE Instructor Pilots will be part of a full standardization and training program for the ...

In coordination with the CAE IFT-R Chief Pilot, Director of Quality Assurance, Standardization, and the USAF, CAE Instructor Pilots will be part of a full standardization and training program for the ...

... crew chief, and loadmaster qualification training in air-land, airdrop, and Intelligence ... Kachemak Bay Flying Service (KBFS) has an immediate opening for an Instructor Pilot 3100 support ...

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Chief Instructor Pilot information

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$33K

$163.2K

$234.5K

How much do chief instructor pilot jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief instructor pilot in the United States is $163,193.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,000.00 and $207,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Instructor Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Instructor Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, extensive flight hours, instructor certifications, and in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations. Familiarity with flight simulators, training management systems, and current aircraft technologies is typically required. Strong leadership, effective communication, and the ability to mentor and evaluate other pilots are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure rigorous safety standards, high-quality training, and operational excellence within a flight training organization.

What are some common challenges faced by a Chief Instructor Pilot, and how can they be addressed?

As a Chief Instructor Pilot, one of the main challenges is balancing administrative responsibilities with hands-on instruction and flight oversight. Managing a team of instructors, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and maintaining high training quality can be demanding. Effective delegation, clear communication, and staying updated with industry regulations are key strategies to address these challenges. Additionally, fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement helps ensure both instructor and student success.

What are Chief Instructor Pilots?

Chief Instructor Pilots are highly experienced pilots responsible for overseeing the training programs and standards for other pilots within an organization, such as a flight school, airline, or military unit. They develop and implement training curricula, ensure compliance with aviation regulations, and evaluate the performance of instructors and students. Chief Instructor Pilots also serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory authorities and are responsible for maintaining the highest levels of safety and proficiency among flight crews. Their leadership is critical in fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

What is the difference between Chief Instructor Pilot vs Flight Instructor?

AspectChief Instructor PilotFlight Instructor
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and often additional instructor ratingsCommercial Pilot License and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Work EnvironmentLeads flight training programs, oversees other instructors, and ensures training standards at flight schools or airlinesProvides individual flight training to students, conducts lessons, and evaluates student progress
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, flight schools, and aviation academiesFlight schools, aviation training centers, and private flight training

The main difference between a Chief Instructor Pilot and a Flight Instructor lies in their responsibilities and leadership roles. The Chief Instructor Pilot oversees training programs and manages other instructors, while the Flight Instructor focuses on delivering flight training to students. Both roles require similar certifications, but the Chief Instructor Pilot holds additional leadership duties within the training organization.

More about Chief Instructor Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Chief Instructor Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Chief Instructor Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Chief Instructor Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Chief Instructor Pilot jobs include:
Helicopter Chief Instructor

Helicopter Chief Instructor

Hillsboro Aero Academy

Troutdale, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

The history of flight training at Hillsboro Aero Academy (HAA) is a story of hard work and a love for flying that has led to one of the most respected flight schools and communities of pilots in the world. What started in 1980 as a one-helicopter flight school, and has since grown into a professional flight training academy that now trains hundreds of professional helicopter and airplane pilots every year.

We’ve spent over 40 years refining our helicopter and airplane flight training programs to help students turn their dream of flying into a career. Graduates from our school work for aviation companies around the globe, and our fleet includes over 100 aircraft that log thousands of flight hours annually. We’re one of the largest combined helicopter and airplane flight training schools in the U.S., with students from over 75 countries across the world.

Helicopter Chief Instructor Job Summary:

The Helicopter Chief Instructor is responsible for the operational oversight of Hillsboro Aero Academy's helicopter pilot training school. The Chief Instructor will work in tandem with our helicopter Administration Manager to ensure our training program excels at training professional and highly competent commercial helicopter pilots. The Chief Instructor will be responsible for all aspects of flight and ground instruction, safety of operations, quality of training and compliance with Part 141 regulations. The Helicopter Chief Instructor will also lead our team of Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs). The Chief position offers a great combination of flight and management responsibilities and the chance to be a critical part of our world-renown flight training academy.

Job Duties:

Responsibilities for this position include Chief Instructor duties as described in § 141.85. This includes ensuring that a high quality of professional ground and flight instruction is maintained, while at the same time providing industry leading customer service to our students. A monthly safety meeting is led by the Chief Instructor to ensure standardization and safe practices are maintained. The Chief will develop and revise new and existing courses to meet the needs of our customers and changing regulations. This role also oversees the helicopter school staff to include assistant chief instructors, check instructors and line CFIs. Hillsboro Aero Academy has an active SMS system and the Chief Instructor will be a Department Safety Manager (DSM) for the helicopter school. This position requires flying with instructors conducting standardization training, as well as flying with students conducting progress and end of course checks. The Chief Instructor is responsible for interviewing, hiring and training new CFI staff and approving employee time cards. From time to time, the Chief will be required to attend meetings with regulators, partners and others as needed.

Qualifications/Licenses:

  • Must hold a valid FAA Class 2 Medical Certificate
  • Must hold a valid FAA Certified Flight Instructor Rotorcraft Helicopter Rating
  • A valid FAA Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Rotorcraft Helicopter Rating (preferred)
  • Must have SFAR 73 CFI Endorsement for the R22 (and R44 preferred)

Required Skills/Experience:

  • Meet requirements of §141.35(a)(1) and (2)
  • Track record of safe helicopter operations
  • Management experience
  • Schedule flexibility
  • Well organized
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Possess critical thinking skills

Preferred Skills/Experience:

  • Meet requirements of § 141.35(b)(c) and (d)
  • Chief or Assistant Chief Instructor experience
  • Dual instruction experience in R22, R44

Benefits Offered:

  • Affordable health care benefits
  • Company 401(k) with match
  • PTO (20 days in first 2 years, 25 days after 2 years, 30 days after 5 years)
  • 2-week Sabbatical after 5 years
  • Discounted flight training
  • Employee recognition program

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.