1

Contract Flight Instructor Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Contract Flight Instructor information

See Colorado salary details

$26.3K

$99.5K

$153K

How much do contract flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract flight instructor in Colorado is $99,494.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,600.00 and $117,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract flight instructor?

Contract Flight Instructors are certified pilots who provide flight training services on a contractual basis, rather than as full-time employees of a flight school or organization. They may work independently or for multiple employers, offering instruction in various types of aircraft or simulators. Their responsibilities typically include teaching students how to fly, preparing them for pilot certification, and ensuring adherence to aviation safety standards. Contract Flight Instructors often have flexible schedules and may also assist with recurrent training or specialized courses.

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

To thrive as a Contract Flight Instructor, you need a valid commercial pilot's license with instructor ratings, in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations, and significant flight experience. Familiarity with flight simulators, electronic logbooks, and training management systems is typically required, along with up-to-date certifications such as CFI or CFII. Exceptional communication, patience, and adaptability are essential soft skills for effectively teaching and mentoring diverse student pilots. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, effective flight training and help students achieve proficiency while maintaining regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by contract flight instructors, and how can they be managed?

Contract Flight Instructors often encounter challenges such as fluctuating student schedules, adapting to different aircraft types, and maintaining clear communication with both students and flight school management. Flexibility and strong organizational skills are key to managing these hurdles. Instructors should proactively coordinate with students to set reliable training sessions, keep their qualifications current for various aircraft, and foster an open line of communication with all parties to ensure smooth operations and effective learning.

What is the difference between Contract Flight Instructor vs Part-Time Flight Instructor?

AspectContract Flight InstructorPart-Time Flight Instructor
CredentialsCommercial Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)Commercial Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Work EnvironmentSelf-employed or hired per contract, variable locationsPart-time employment at flight schools or flight training centers
Employer/Industry UsageHired directly by flight schools or as independent contractorsEmployed by flight schools on a part-time basis

Contract Flight Instructors typically work independently or on a contractual basis, often at multiple locations, while Part-Time Flight Instructors are employed by flight schools for limited hours. Both roles require similar certifications but differ mainly in employment structure and work arrangement.

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Flight Instructor jobs in Colorado?

For Contract Flight Instructor jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Flight Instructor jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Flight Instructor jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Contract Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Contract Flight Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Flight Instructor job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 55% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,494 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Contract EC130/135 VFR Check Airman - Colorado

Greenwood Village, CO • On-site

$114K - $119K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Description

Job Summary

Overview

Temporary Helicopter Check Airman – Part 135 – EC130/135 VFR

AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE!Be a part of something bigger and join a team where your passion makes a real difference! Discover personal fulfillment and growth with us. As leaders in the industry, we welcome exceptional pilots to partner with us in serving communities nationwide with top-tier air medical transport resources. Elevate your career with a supportive 7 days on/7 days off (12-hour shifts) work-life balance, where your safety and well-being are paramount, and your contribution truly matters in making a lasting impact on the lives we care for year-round.

Job Summary

Company instructor who performs an oversight, safety and qualification role for Helicopter pilots undergoing evaluation. Conducts training and flight checks in a classroom, an aircraft, or in a flight simulator. May be homebased with travel on a 7/7 schedule.

Responsibilities Essential Functions and Responsibilities include the following:
  • Evaluate operational compliance including all aspects of safety, flight operations, maintenance operations, and other procedures and policies as described in the General Operations Manual
  • Initial and Recurrent training (ground and flight)
  • Transition, differences and ROC (restricted operations checks) ground and flight training
  • Will correct and report out-of-compliance issues immediately. When unable to be corrected immediately, the CA will coordinate with the ACP and Regional Aviation or Maintenance Director as appropriate to ensure the problem is corrected
  • Assist in the development and implementation of flight and ground training schedules
  • Ensure that standardized training and checking procedures, provided by the certificate are adhered to
  • Assist the CP and ACP in all pilot record keeping requirements in accordance with applicable FARs and policies
  • Assist in the development and implementation of flight and ground training schedules
  • Submit required reports in a timely manner
  • Expected to operate advanced aviation training devices and operate full motion simulators as required
  • Assist the CP in the development of the aircraft checklist and Air Methods’ Pilot Training Programs
  • Will assist in development and conduct (as appropriate): Basic Indoctrination Training, initial and recurrent ground training, initial and recurrent flight training, instrument training (ground and flight), and night vision goggle (NVG) training (ground and flight)
  • Other duties as assigned
Additional Job Requirements
  • Regular scheduled attendance
  • Indicate the percentage of time spent traveling: 10%
Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. In accordance with applicable laws, Air Methods will provide reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden so disabled employees may perform the essential functions of the position.

Education & Experience
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and three to five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred
  • Recommendation from a current Air Methods Flight Instructor or Check Airman preferred
  • Previous Instructor/Check Airman experience
  • ATP rating in aircraft category preferred
  • Commercial/Instrument rating required
  • Must meet total flight hour requirements
Skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to implement training programs (initial and recurrent training)
  • Ability to work in a collaborative manner with all levels
Computer Skills
  • Intermediate Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and Outlook
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
  • CFI / CFII (Rotor wing) or willingness to obtain within one year

This position is subject to drug and/or alcohol testing per the DOT/FAA requirements (pre-employment, random, reasonable cause/suspicion, post-accident).

USD $114,000.00/Yr.

USD $119,000.00/Yr.

For more inforation on our industry-leading benefits, please visit our benefits pagehere .

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Air Methods is an EEO/AA employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

This position will be open and posted until filled, with a minimum posting period of three days.

Company Details

Company: Air Methods
Address: 5500 S Quebec Street, Suite 300 · Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111 · USA
Web: https://www.airmethods.com
Makes: Bell Helicopters, American Eurocopter, Beechcraft, and Pilatus
Models: Bell 206, Bell 222, Bell 230, Bell 407, Bell 412, Bell 430, AS-350, AS-355, EC-120, EC-130, EC-135, EC-145, BK-117, BO-105, S-76, King Air, PC 12
About:

(Job and company information not to be copied, shared, scraped, or otherwise disseminated/distributed without explicit consent of JSfirm, LLC)

#J-18808-Ljbffr