Description The Chief Instructor / Flight Standardization Pilot serves as the senior technical authority for pilot standardization, ensuring all flight operations, training programs, and procedures ...
Description The Chief Instructor / Flight Standardization Pilot serves as the senior technical authority for pilot standardization, ensuring all flight operations, training programs, and procedures ...
Description The Chief Instructor / Flight Standardization Pilot serves as the senior technical authority for pilot standardization, ensuring all flight operations, training programs, and procedures ...
Description The Chief Instructor / Flight Standardization Pilot serves as the senior technical authority for pilot standardization, ensuring all flight operations, training programs, and procedures ...
Description The Chief Instructor / Flight Standardization Pilot serves as the senior technical authority for pilot standardization, ensuring all flight operations, training programs, and procedures ...
Description The Chief Instructor / Flight Standardization Pilot serves as the senior technical authority for pilot standardization, ensuring all flight operations, training programs, and procedures ...
Flight Training Manager II
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Prior Chief Instructor, Assistant Chief Instructor, Flight Training Manager, or similar leadership experience. * Experience managing flight instructors, student progression, stage checks, training ...
Quick apply
Flight Training Manager II
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Prior Chief Instructor, Assistant Chief Instructor, Flight Training Manager, or similar leadership experience. * Experience managing flight instructors, student progression, stage checks, training ...
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Camp Pendleton, CA · On-site
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Chief instructor of the JROTC unit. Officer rank: CPT/O-3 - COL/O-6, minimum 8 years in the Army. Candidates for this position must possess at least a BA/BS degree and must be certified by Cadet ...
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Duluth, MN · On-site
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Quick apply
Chief Instructor Marine Corps University (MCU) / College of Distance Education and Training (CDET) Location: CDET Regional campuses (MCB Quantico VA; MCB Camp Lejeune NC; NAS-JRB Fort Worth TX; MCB ...
Fires & Maneuvers Chief Instructor
Camp Pendleton, CA · On-site
$84K - $139K/yr
Fires & Maneuvers Chief Instructor Location US-CA-Camp Pendleton ID 2025-10479 Category Training Position Type Regular Full-Time Application Open Date 9/15/2025 Salary Statement Estimated Starting ...
Fires & Maneuvers Chief Instructor
Camp Pendleton, CA · On-site
$84K - $139K/yr
Fires & Maneuvers Chief Instructor Location US-CA-Camp Pendleton ID 2025-10479 Category Training Position Type Regular Full-Time Application Open Date 9/15/2025 Salary Statement Estimated Starting ...
Aviation C2 Chief Instructor
$84K - $139K/yr
Reviewing lesson plans, instructor guides, and practical application exercises for accuracy, relevance, and compliance with TECOM instructional methodology * Coordinating with the academics officer ...
Aviation C2 Chief Instructor
$84K - $139K/yr
Reviewing lesson plans, instructor guides, and practical application exercises for accuracy, relevance, and compliance with TECOM instructional methodology * Coordinating with the academics officer ...
Aviation C2 Chief Instructor
Camp Pendleton, CA · On-site
$84K - $139K/yr
Reviewing lesson plans, instructor guides, and practical application exercises for accuracy, relevance, and compliance with TECOM instructional methodology * Coordinating with the academics officer ...
Aviation C2 Chief Instructor
Camp Pendleton, CA · On-site
$84K - $139K/yr
Reviewing lesson plans, instructor guides, and practical application exercises for accuracy, relevance, and compliance with TECOM instructional methodology * Coordinating with the academics officer ...
Aviation C2 Chief Instructor
Camp Pendleton, CA · On-site
$84K - $139K/yr
Reviewing lesson plans, instructor guides, and practical application exercises for accuracy, relevance, and compliance with TECOM instructional methodology * Coordinating with the academics officer ...
Aviation C2 Chief Instructor
Camp Pendleton, CA · On-site
$84K - $139K/yr
Reviewing lesson plans, instructor guides, and practical application exercises for accuracy, relevance, and compliance with TECOM instructional methodology * Coordinating with the academics officer ...
Serve as the designated FAR Part 141 Assistant Chief Instructor, supporting training, compliance, and operational excellence. * Manage flight instructor training programs, certifications, and ...
Serve as the designated FAR Part 141 Assistant Chief Instructor, supporting training, compliance, and operational excellence. * Manage flight instructor training programs, certifications, and ...
Serve as the designated FAR Part 141 Assistant Chief Instructor, supporting training, compliance, and operational excellence. * Manage flight instructor training programs, certifications, and ...
Serve as the designated FAR Part 141 Assistant Chief Instructor, supporting training, compliance, and operational excellence. * Manage flight instructor training programs, certifications, and ...
Serve as the designated FAR Part 141 Assistant Chief Instructor, supporting training, compliance, and operational excellence. * Manage flight instructor training programs, certifications, and ...
Serve as the designated FAR Part 141 Assistant Chief Instructor, supporting training, compliance, and operational excellence. * Manage flight instructor training programs, certifications, and ...
Fires & Maneuvers Chief Instructor
Camp Pendleton, CA · On-site
$84K - $139K/yr
Reviewing lesson plans, instructor guides, and practical application exercises for accuracy, relevance, and compliance with TECOM instructional methodology * Coordinating with the academics officer ...
Fires & Maneuvers Chief Instructor
Camp Pendleton, CA · On-site
$84K - $139K/yr
Reviewing lesson plans, instructor guides, and practical application exercises for accuracy, relevance, and compliance with TECOM instructional methodology * Coordinating with the academics officer ...
Chief Instructor information
See salary details
$33K - $48.2K
1% of jobs
$48.2K - $63.5K
3% of jobs
$63.5K - $78.7K
9% of jobs
$93.9K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$78.7K - $93.9K
12% of jobs
$93.9K - $109.1K
14% of jobs
The median wage is $119.3K / yr.
$109.1K - $124.4K
16% of jobs
$124.4K - $139.6K
14% of jobs
$145.9K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$139.6K - $154.8K
13% of jobs
$154.8K - $170K
11% of jobs
$170K - $185.3K
5% of jobs
$185.3K - $200.5K
1% of jobs
$33K
$124.4K
$200.5K
How much do chief instructor jobs pay per year?
What is a chief instructor?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief instructor, and why are they important?
What are some common challenges faced by chief instructors, and how can they effectively address them?
What is the difference between Chief Instructor vs Lead Instructor?
| Aspect | Chief Instructor | Lead Instructor |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Certifications in teaching, safety, and subject expertise | Similar certifications, often with additional leadership training |
| Work Environment | Oversees multiple classes or programs, administrative duties | Conducts classes directly, mentors other instructors |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Educational institutions, training centers, sports academies | Fitness 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.

Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO
Posted 15 days ago
AAR Corp rating
7.8
Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
23rd of 65 rated aviation services
Job description
This position is pending contract award. The anticipated start date is February 1, 2027.
Description
The Chief Instructor / Flight Standardization Pilot serves as the senior technical authority for pilot standardization, ensuring all flight operations, training programs, and procedures meet the highest levels of safety, regulatory compliance, and operational proficiency. As the Chief Flight Standardization Pilot you will plan, organize, direct, and control all phases of flight operations. This position is responsible for both Operations and Maintenance standardization, providing unified oversight across flight, simulator, and academic environments.
The Chief Flight Standardization Pilot must be qualified as an Instructor Pilot/Maintenance Test Pilot Course (IP/MTPC) graduate, centrally located, and readily available to coordinate with the Government Flight Representative (GFR) to ensure compliance with AR 9520 and all contract requirements. This role drives uniformity in flight execution, maintains alignment with FAA and military standards, and supports continuous improvement in pilot performance, documentation, and operational readiness.
What You Will Be Responsible For
- Lead and manage all pilot standardization programs to ensure consistent application of SOPs, checklists, CRM practices, and operational procedures.
- Plan, organize, direct, and control all phases of flight operations, ensuring standardized execution across Ops and Maintenance activities.
- Serve as head of the Standardization and Evaluation Board, maintaining flight SOPs aligned with industry, FAA, and military best practices.
- Oversee development, publication, and control of operating manuals-including aircraftspecific manuals-ensuring accuracy and currency.
- Collaborate with training teams to design and deliver training programs that elevate pilot proficiency and standardization across all operational environments.
- Conduct pilot evaluations, check rides, and standardization assessments in academic, simulator, and aircraft settings.
- Ensure all flight operations comply with FAA regulations, operational specifications, organizational standards, and AR 9520 requirements.
- Coordinate directly with the GFR to maintain compliance with contract requirements, operational directives, and standardization expectations.
- Support the Aviation Safety Officer in incident reviews, root cause analysis, and corrective action planning.
- Partner with engineering, maintenance, support, and deployed operations teams to integrate training, documentation, and operational feedback.
- Maintain and update ground and flight operating procedures for internal and external use.
- Provide technical leadership to flight crews, instructors, and operational teams to ensure safe, standardized, and missionready operations.
- All other duties as assigned.
What You Will Need to Be Successful in This Role
- Minimum 10 years of helicopter aviation experience, including support of U.S. Army or government aviation training programs.
- Minimum2,000 hourstotal rotorcraft time and1,000 hoursinstructor pilot time.
- 500 NVG/NVS experience and100 hours of instrument time.
- Extensive aviation experience in military or commercial operations with a strong record of technical and operational leadership.
- Deep knowledge of FAA regulations, Part 141 operations, and pilot standardization requirements.
- Demonstrated experience leading standardization programs, evaluation boards, or pilot training organizations.
- Strong technical proficiency in aircraft systems, flight operations, and safety management systems.
- Prior experience as a Chief Pilot, Flight Standardization Officer, or equivalent leadership role in a certificated operator.
- Instructor Pilot/Maintenance Test Pilot Course (IP/MTPC) graduate required.
- Proven ability to lead crossfunctional teams and influence highperformance operational culture.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred; Master's preferred
- Ability to obtain and maintain a secret clearance.
- In order to hold a secret clearance, US Citizenship is required.
The rewards of your career at AAR go far beyond just your salary:
- Competitive compensation.
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
- Generous paid time off program.
- Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
Physical Demands / Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the facility.
The environmental characteristic for this position is an office setting. Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional business environment.
AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws through all stages of the hiring process. If you require accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please advise Human Resources.
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About AAR
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Aviation
Company size
5,001 - 10,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Wood Dale, IL, US
Year founded
1951